Clapton Football Club has recently been the victim of criminal damage and allegations, but after a great response from the community over the past weeks, the Club has been able to start the 2014-15 season from a very positive footing. I would personally like to thank everyone concerned for their support and involvement.
Over the past weeks, there have been a series of events that have had a dramatic effect on our Club and our ongoing refurbishment programme as time has had to be diverted to handling issues:
- On 17th June an email signed off by Andrew Barr, the Secretary of the Friends of Clapton (an organisaion not associated with the Club) was sent to the Essex Senior League and all of the clubs, making certain allegations against Clapton’s current officers (some of whom have been with the club for fourteen years). The Essex Senior League has informed us that they consider the current Club and its Officers to be bona fide members of its League and, as far as they are concerned, this will remain the case unless any other party can successfully challenge this via the legal system.
- On 23rd June a threatening call was received by myself, from someone saying he was from the English Defence League. He stated that: “You’re the one who has allowed those f…ing university and college c..ts to disrespect British soldiers and Drummer Lee Rigsby………… ” . This initial threat was followed with with more threats that they(sic) are going to come to the ground and do a whole host of things.
- As a result of information received from the Police, Kingsford School cancelled all matches and training at their venue until further notice. We have had a good relationship with the school, for a number of years and the action Kingsford had taken has nothing to do with the conduct of our players, officials or spectators. Rather, it was as a result of some of the phone calls and actions taken by others seemingly out to wreak havoc.
- On 24th June someone broke into the ground and drove into our goal area and damaged an area of eighteen feet long, by two feet wide, by four inches deep to the pitch – ondoing a lot of all of the hard work and cost involved in getting the pitch ready for the start of the season.
- On 25 June someone broke into the ground and cut all the wires, the clutch and the hydraulic cables to our ride on mower
- On 29th June someone broke into the the ground and kicked off the door to the board room.
All of the criminal damage has been reported to the Police. If anyone has information regarding any of the events outlined above, please contact me in the strictest confidence on 07956471828.
Fixing all of the damage and replacing vital equipment has had a major pull on our limited resources, but with the help of over 100 volunteers throughout the past weeks, we have managed to get on top of things.
The season has started and the pitch is in good condition, we have a win under our belts already and are looking forward optimistically to the rest of the season. Our programme of development will continue, regardless of others intentions to cause damage and destruction to the Club. As has been demonstrated on more than one occasion recently, the true supporters of Clapton Football Club continue to rally round and show their support. Priceless!
Vincent McBean
Chief Executive
Clapton Football Club
