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Post by adamhrbfc on May 23, 2012 22:05:51 GMT
Kettering have fallen out of the conference after entering a CVA which reprieves Maidenhead. Therefore looks like you guys will be heading north...
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Post by ChrisB on May 24, 2012 16:09:30 GMT
Every cloud has a silver lining...
If true, then I'll be able to see them at least once!
HarrogateExile (aka "The Poster Formerly Known As ChrisB"!)
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Post by city fan on May 24, 2012 21:56:07 GMT
It may not be as simple as that, the F A have a habit of surprising everyone, and could shuffle the pack anyway we will know tomorrow! Anyway apart from a few distant outposts like workington, There is always his ton Coby solihull and Brackley, bath not so far away,depending on were they end up? Still we will know tomorrow one way or another  |
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Post by Observer on May 25, 2012 5:44:30 GMT
Can anyone tell me why BATH would be poss in north ?
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Post by exile on May 25, 2012 7:27:13 GMT
The inexorable southward march of the North-South dividing line? Bath and Weston super Mare were both mentioned in this context on another forum, hopefully in jest but you can't be sure!
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Post by exile on May 25, 2012 15:43:45 GMT
Apparently BBC Oxford have just given out the news that we will be playing in Conference North. Can someone confirm, please?
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Post by DavidJ on May 25, 2012 17:04:57 GMT
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Post by hedges on May 25, 2012 17:18:37 GMT
And how do we feel about it? This in my opinion is not good news at all, we won't have many fans at away games (probably just padz and club members) most of the time, gonna cost the club a fortune in coach travel and understandbly the players will want more money due to the increase in time they have to take travelling and of course the lost work....in some cases whole days off work to play a non leaguie match in the evening. Plus im unconvinced how we will fare in the north, the game seems to be more physical and thats one of our weaknesses which teams like Stourbridge exsploted well last season....though hoepfully our pitch will be better and our football will shine through. Sorry to sound like a doomsayer, im just bitter that im still not going to get some nice sun filled weekends of football and a south coast beach.  I also expect a damn good turn out for the Brackley game away...no excuses!! |
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Post by tigerroar on May 25, 2012 18:07:40 GMT
Ladies & Gents, coming from a Gloucester City fan "dumped" in the BSN against our wishes three years ago all I can say is it's the best thing ever.
If you're a fan who likes to go to away games you'll find so many new grounds and excuses to go away.
Enjoy it!
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Post by Deleted on May 25, 2012 18:22:30 GMT
Yep have to except our wonderful F A s decision, must have taken all of five minutes!
Now just a little point of order Why should a relegated side get to stay south it may seem a little harsh but why should a side
Get repaid with a position in the conference south when they were clearly relegated, yes we know there are special circumstances, darlington in the deep end and Kettering CVA but why on earth do the promoted get penalised with the placement for there achievements, the F A need to take a long look at this decision for the future.
Me thinks they won't give a hoot!
Anyway any one for Workington?
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Post by exile on May 25, 2012 18:48:18 GMT
I remember that there were similar doubts when we were shunted across to the Southern League from the Isthmian about eight years ago. Despite the initial wobble the club has grown and become more successful. We need to pull together to support the club as much as we can. One thing I have noticed from 40 years living in more northerly latitudes is that the beer is better! In any case there are five away fixtures within easy range, and a sizeable proportion of the others are fairly near to motorways. Workington would probably be easier to get to than Truro! Last season we proved twice that we could beat Blue Square teams. We will aim to do the same more regularly in the coming season. Worcester, Gloucester and Bishops Stortford had initial misgivings about their placement, and each has found out that they can cope. So can we.
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Post by tigerroar on May 25, 2012 18:56:29 GMT
Workington would probably be easier to get to than Truro! The only thing with Workington is it's a bloody long way to Penrith on the M6 then a long, long drive along the A66 to actually get to the town, although it is a scenic drive through the north Lake District. The distance will probably make that one to stay overnight and enjoy but to be fair the town itself looks ever so dull. The football ground is right next to that bridge that fell down mind. |
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Post by exile on May 25, 2012 19:23:19 GMT
Workington is also just over 200 miles from my place, so by any stretch of the imagination a difficult trip. The scenery is good in the Lake District providing it doesn't rain!
For those supporters who are Senior Railcard holders there are some good discounts available for going to a number of our fixtures by rail. I have found this season that there is a saving against the cost of petrol in most cases. Several BS clubs are quite near stations. Unfortunately Gloucester is not one of them (unless the new stadium is ready by August, which I doubt, but it looks good on their website).
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Post by Mark Neal on May 25, 2012 19:27:27 GMT
Well i have to say very gutted about being put in CONF North. Its something we will have to get used to though, i hope to make a few games away next year, but will extremely hard given how far and the cost on train, do have a train card though.
Will there be a supporters coach more reguarly for away games next season?
Mark
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Post by nptonexile on May 25, 2012 19:50:07 GMT
And how do we feel about it? [ membb] This in my opinion is not good news at all, we won't have many fans at away games (probably just padz and club members) [/b]most of the time, gonna cost the club a fortune in coach travel and understandbly the players will want more money due to the increase in time they have to take travelling and of course the lost work....in some cases whole days off work to play a non leaguie match in the evening. Plus im unconvinced how we will fare in the north, the game seems to be more physical and thats one of our weaknesses which teams like Stourbridge exsploted well last season....though hoepfully our pitch will be better and our football will shine through. Sorry to sound like a doomsayer, im just bitter that im still not going to get some nice sun filled weekends of football and a south coast beach. I also expect a damn good turn out for the Brackley game away...no excuses!! [/quote] No change there then!  OCFC must be pretty peeved off, with traveeling expenses etc. I thought this would be a ridiculous decision but having given thought for a while, personally, I'm happy. Gets a bit boring travelling around what is in effect, the Home Counties commuter belt..Chesham, Hitchin and so on.. ..Some REAL journies now..Workington, Altrincham..er..Cheltenham! OCFC would never have been taking many in any case...just means more satisfaction (in some ways) for those making the commitment...anyone who has travelled to Carlisle for a night game will get the gist! Also, less marauding hords taking over CPF! I'll be doing my best to get to Gainsborough, Boston and Workington, certainly!  |
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Post by Rijs on May 25, 2012 21:22:02 GMT
Bound to cost the club more to play here, but might it mean the Nomads get a few more for home matches?
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Post by Padz on May 25, 2012 21:25:20 GMT
Well this news has made my holiday......not.
Bagsy not driving for the Workington game!
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Post by Deleted on May 25, 2012 21:37:12 GMT
Now I have had my say on the decision, I have got a railcard and will also be making use of it , but will wait until the fixture list comes out, you just know the good old fixture sec at the F A will make sure we get Tuesday night fixtures at unreachable places, I do hope, and I know the club are asking for over £12,000 in traveling expenses etc, I hope we can ask that certain fixtures are put on appropriate days. But will not hold my breath, anyway according to most clubs we had no chance in the playoffs, lets take the adversity and negativity from jealous sources that Fordy has already mentioned, and use it as a launchpad to success, The verbal commitment of Bash and Chris is a real tonic and I am sure others will soon follow.  |
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Post by daveangel on May 26, 2012 6:21:47 GMT
Workington is also just over 200 miles from my place, so by any stretch of the imagination a difficult trip. The scenery is good in the Lake District providing it doesn't rain! For those supporters who are Senior Railcard holders there are some good discounts available for going to a number of our fixtures by rail. I have found this season that there is a saving against the cost of petrol in most cases. Several BS clubs are quite near stations. Unfortunately Gloucester is not one of them (unless the new stadium is ready by August, which I doubt, but it looks good on their website). Still waiting for planning permission, so another season or two yet I'm afraid  Cheltenham station isn't too far from the ground though, 15/20 minute walk passing plenty of pubs. It'll be good to have another localish game this season, though as TR said up there somewhere, it's a cracking league, and although all a bit far away there are some fantastic away days to be had. Congratulations on coming up, and welcome to T' North |
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Post by jeffs on May 26, 2012 9:49:36 GMT
Well, as a Workington fan living in Sussex, I'm pretty chuffed - another game I can get to !
Appreciate this is not good news for you guys, but overall you seem to be taking it far better than the Bishops Stortford moaners last year. You and they have to travel to us once a year - look how many times we have to come down to the Midlands or further, with overnight stays if we want to seriously compete.
It is long overdue for the Conference to split North and South into 3, with a Midlands division. Maybe in 2 - 3 years they'll understand the meaning of words like "recession" and "price of petrol". The problem has been the reluctance of the North East clubs to commit to the pyramid - if they did then it would be much simpler.
Anyway, looking forward to the fixture list and a first visit to your ground. No doubt the planners will put it right in the middle of winter. We usually bring 30 - 40 with us, so get some decent non flat beer in, would you ? Cheers.
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Post by Deleted on May 26, 2012 10:14:15 GMT
Hi Jeff's, I ment no disrespect when mentioning your club in this thread, I am old enough to remember you in the old 4th division, I do hope our away fixture is on a Saturday so I can visit for the first time this lovely part of our country.
Our beer in the clubhouse is Brakspear at the moment, but there is a couple of wetherspoons pubs in city centre that do all sorts.
If traveling by train its advisable to get a Marston bus to marsh lane, but if there is four of you sharing a taxi is just over £2 each.
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Post by exile on May 26, 2012 12:48:13 GMT
Jeffs, I think you hit the nail on the head with the remark about the NE clubs. it is a sad fact that the old Northern League, going back into the 1950s and earlier, had some of the most accomplished non league clubs in its ranks. Bishop Auckland and Crook to name but two. We played them both many times, especially in the Amateur Cup. The league could not bring itself to march with the times, so unfortunately has become a shade of it's former self at Step 5. Mind you the Isthmian League also, which Oxford City were in during the 70s and 80s, did not adjust as quickly as it might have done to the semi professional world which non league was entering.
The decision has now been made, so we will endeavour (a good Oxford word, that!) to make the best of it and hope more midland and northern teams develop and force the three division reorganisation which you mention.
Thinking about the season to come, yes this will be an interesting challenge not only for us but also the teams who come here. One of our challenges is to see how we can improve our facilities. Some work has already been given us by the Grade B requirements of the FA, and no doubt we will be looking at realising some of the other potential development areas once finance permits. Interesting times ahead. You can be assured of a warm welcome at Oxford City, and the food is very good!
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Post by clive on May 26, 2012 14:17:43 GMT
it could be a very interesting season with lots of new teams to play - but hopefully City consolidate and a few more northerly clubs get relegated or promoted to Conference North the season after !
Hopefully the fixtures are planned sensibly with the long journeys scheduled for Saturdays at the start and end of the season to reduce the risk of midweek rearrangements due to cup-ties or bad weather, and some co-ordination with League Two so that United and City have home league matches on alternate Saturdays through most of the season.
But as nptonexile mentions we can't expect too many visiting supporters as CPF as they face a long journey as well......
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Post by jeffs on May 27, 2012 10:13:13 GMT
Hi Jeff's, I ment no disrespect when mentioning your club in this thread, I am old enough to remember you in the old 4th division, I do hope our away fixture is on a Saturday so I can visit for the first time this lovely part of our country. Our beer in the clubhouse is Brakspear at the moment, but there is a couple of wetherspoons pubs in city centre that do all sorts. If traveling by train its advisable to get a Marston bus to marsh lane, but if there is four of you sharing a taxi is just over £2 each. Absolutely no offence taken. We're the obvious extreme travelling example. It is, incidentally, exactly 35 years ago tomorrow we were ejected from the league - not that I'm counting, you understand  |
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Post by nptonexile on May 27, 2012 11:06:25 GMT
Workington is also just over 200 miles from my place, so by any stretch of the imagination a difficult trip. The scenery is good in the Lake District providing it doesn't rain! For those supporters who are Senior Railcard holders there are some good discounts available for going to a number of our fixtures by rail. I have found this season that there is a saving against the cost of petrol in most cases. Several BS clubs are quite near stations. Unfortunately Gloucester is not one of them (unless the new stadium is ready by August, which I doubt, but it looks good on their website). Still waiting for planning permission, so another season or two yet I'm afraid Cheltenham station isn't too far from the ground though, 15/20 minute walk passing plenty of pubs. It'll be good to have another localish game this season, though as TR said up there somewhere, it's a cracking league, and although all a bit far away there are some fantastic away days to be had. Congratulations on coming up, and welcome to T' North If you can do Whaddon Rd from the station in 15/20 mins without the aid of transport...you can't be human!!! Jolly Brewmaster (10-15 min walk from station) and Kemble Brewery (2 min walk from Whaddon Rd) are both excellent pubs though! Must admit, being in the away end with 10 - instead of 600 odd is going to seem strange! |
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Post by ChrisB on May 28, 2012 19:32:33 GMT
I see that, according to the Oxford Mail website report, work goes ahead on building another three turnstiles (making five, or is it six altogether?) and extending the dugouts (even) further so that ELEVEN people can be accommodated. Where is the commonsense in these ground-grading rules!!?
As if it wasn't hard enough for clubs to survive in the financially crippling climate that exists at the moment without being forced into pointless 'improvements' like these!!
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Post by exile on May 28, 2012 19:38:28 GMT
Chris, it's not common sense, it's FA rules! I think they also require more loos.
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Post by nptonexile on May 28, 2012 20:59:19 GMT
I think it is commom sense in respect to tunstiles and toilets tbf! The queues for the AFC Totton playoff could have extensively been avoided with more turnstiles..there is no reason why 1,300 crowds won't be (or nearly anyway) replicated in the higher league. In respect to toilets, can be a bit frustrating when stood at the JR Hospital Community Terrace End (or whatever it's called!  and having to go all the way to the other end to the clubhouse, before making the return journey! |
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Post by Ash on May 28, 2012 21:38:50 GMT
In respect to toilets, can be a bit frustrating when stood at the JR Hospital Community Terrace End (or whatever it's called! and having to go all the way to the other end to the clubhouse, before making the return journey! There's always behind the stand  |
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Post by city fan on May 29, 2012 1:14:25 GMT
I see that, according to the Oxford Mail website report, work goes ahead on building another three turnstiles (making five, or is it six altogether?) and extending the dugouts (even) further so that ELEVEN people can be accommodated. Where is the commonsense in these ground-grading rules!!? As if it wasn't hard enough for clubs to survive in the financially crippling climate that exists at the moment without being forced into pointless 'improvements' like these!! It was also good to read on the Oxford Mail website, that Fordy says all players have re signed from last season with the exception of James Clarke who is on holiday and is expected to sign when he gets back! |
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