Season 23/24

[Wijnhard's_Schlong]

Glad I'm not the only one feeling like this. I haven't felt so downbeat going into a season for years. Despite the magnificent fund raising efforts of the supporters I cannot help but feel this is needed merely to put out a mildly competitive squad. While a couple look really solid/proven signings, I can't help but feel we're relying on the majority of unproven arrivals to be hits rather than misses in order to have a good season - and how often does that turn out to be the case - rarely!

A shame that the calibre of player we managed to bring in last pre-season seemingly cannot be replicated, perhaps a sign of the times and what we're up against but nonetheless not any less dejecting. Really hope to be proven wrong but I'll place a wild prediction of 13th.

[Quakerlad]

At risk of repeating myself, there are many of us feeling exactly like you describe about this season, downbeat summing it up quite well. Still cannot get my head around where we would be financially without BTB and what has changed to make it so bad comparative to others.

Think the lack of energy and interest even on here just 2 days before first home game says it too. Second half of last season plus all the downbeat messages and interviews since then haven’t helped the malaise I’m afraid. I do believe the club could have done better too to be fair.

Sad really.

[aveda]

Not sure I understand the negativity. Looking at the players in and players out lists, other than Jack Lambert, I don't think we're going to miss anyone that has gone. It was disappointing when Purver left but, by all accounts, Platt is an upgrade. Wheater was seldom fit so Lees is an improvement on him. From reports from friendlies Windass, Mustoe and Curry have impressed. It seems to me to be a squad that is bigger physically than last year which should stop us being bullied in games. It also sounds to be more athletic. I'm looking forward to Saturday.

[Old Git]

At risk of repeating myself, there are many of us feeling exactly like you describe about this season, downbeat summing it up quite well. Still cannot get my head around where we would be financially without BTB and what has changed to make it so bad comparative to others.

Think the lack of energy and interest even on here just 2 days before first home game says it too. Second half of last season plus all the downbeat messages and interviews since then haven’t helped the malaise I’m afraid. I do believe the club could have done better too to be fair.

Sad really.

I agree it does now seem like we need £160k from BTB just to survive in this league, whereas originally it was to help us challenge for promotion. That is rather depressing. It seems like we will need a game changer to have a realistic chance of progressing. The hope was that a new stadium would be in the pipeline by now and we could see a clear way forward, but it seems to be as far away as ever.
The other game changer would be some sort of external investment, but it seems that many of our supporters are against that at all costs. It was interesting at the Fans Forum DJ said that he recently had 3 separate enquiries from people regarding investing in the club. Obviously, I have no idea how serious these are, but I personally would like to see these followed up to see if they are genuine. The whole question of control would be an important consideration, but if there was a serious proposition from an external investor I would like to think that the supporters/ owners would be given a chance to vote on the acceptability of it.
I don’t think we should close our minds to this possibility if it was an option.

[Quakerlad]

Yep agree with you completely.
I have no issue with fan ownership and the security that it brings, but that to me is about the only positive really. Recognise that to many this is THE most important factor and respect their views completely.
Like I have said many times, I would give it up tomorrow if the right, reputable, researched investor came along and happily go with the ride and excitement that would potentially bring. Look at the excitement at clubs like York for example ( no idea by the way if the new owner matches the criteria above so may not be a great example).
Problem is as we know, there ain’t anyone that fits the bill!! Let’s hope one of these “approaches” does, and trust DJ in this process.
Maybe again, it’s an age and longevity thing, but I would much prefer 5 years of excitement and looking forward compared to stagnation.

[Spyman]

Yep agree with you completely.
I have no issue with fan ownership and the security that it brings, but that to me is about the only positive really. Recognise that to many this is THE most important factor and respect their views completely.
Like I have said many times, I would give it up tomorrow if the right, reputable, researched investor came along and happily go with the ride and excitement that would potentially bring. Look at the excitement at clubs like York for example ( no idea by the way if the new owner matches the criteria above so may not be a great example).
Problem is as we know, there ain’t anyone that fits the bill!! Let’s hope one of these “approaches” does, and trust DJ in this process.
Maybe again, it’s an age and longevity thing, but I would much prefer 5 years of excitement and looking forward compared to stagnation.

Don't take this the wrong way, but it's a pretty selfish attitude.


You'd gamble our long term future for 5 years of excitement before you pop your clogs. Never mind about the younger fans who hope to have a club to support for as long as you've had.

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

[tdk1]

Also, let's talk Wrexham. What them two at Wrexham are doing looks good on the surface, no doubt, but...

1) the only true measure of success will be how they leave Wrexham, not what they do in the meantime, and the financial backing will become less significant compared to their opponents when they join the championship free for all s*** show. Moreover, the money going in there is all as loans, so has to be either converted into equity or realised in another way at some point. We all know how that can end. and...

2) it is definitely going to lead to some absolutely awful copycat projects that will inevitably end in disaster.

You could we'll ask whether you prefer that to a long build and temporary stasis in the NLN, but let's not pretend a similar offer would automatically be healthy for the club as a whole, and for me that should be question number one, every single time.

[Quakerlad]

Yep agree with you completely.
I have no issue with fan ownership and the security that it brings, but that to me is about the only positive really. Recognise that to many this is THE most important factor and respect their views completely.
Like I have said many times, I would give it up tomorrow if the right, reputable, researched investor came along and happily go with the ride and excitement that would potentially bring. Look at the excitement at clubs like York for example ( no idea by the way if the new owner matches the criteria above so may not be a great example).
Problem is as we know, there ain’t anyone that fits the bill!! Let’s hope one of these “approaches” does, and trust DJ in this process.
Maybe again, it’s an age and longevity thing, but I would much prefer 5 years of excitement and looking forward compared to stagnation.

Don't take this the wrong way, but it's a pretty selfish attitude.


You'd gamble our long term future for 5 years of excitement before you pop your clogs. Never mind about the younger fans who hope to have a club to support for as long as you've had.

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

That’s a pretty simplistic take on what I am saying!

If I was 30 years younger my view on not wanting years of stagnation, potential ownership of the club etc etc would be exactly the same.

Some fans will agree, some will utterly disagree, that’s fine, doesn’t mean everyone who differs is selfish, just have a different perspective.

[MCFCDarlo3]

Im coming up from Mancland, really looking forward to seeing the new players.

Then Im off to see City in the Charity Shield at Wembley on Sunday.

[don'tbuythesun]

You need to be careful. All that excitement in one weekend. Don't overdo it!!

[MCFCDarlo3]

You need to be careful. All that excitement in one weekend. Don't overdo it!!

[darlo reborn]

Well 1 out of 2 aint bad don`t know which one though LOL!

[Darlofan97]

At risk of repeating myself, there are many of us feeling exactly like you describe about this season, downbeat summing it up quite well. Still cannot get my head around where we would be financially without BTB and what has changed to make it so bad comparative to others.

Think the lack of energy and interest even on here just 2 days before first home game says it too. Second half of last season plus all the downbeat messages and interviews since then haven’t helped the malaise I’m afraid. I do believe the club could have done better too to be fair.

Sad really.

I agree it does now seem like we need £160k from BTB just to survive in this league, whereas originally it was to help us challenge for promotion. That is rather depressing. It seems like we will need a game changer to have a realistic chance of progressing. The hope was that a new stadium would be in the pipeline by now and we could see a clear way forward, but it seems to be as far away as ever.
The other game changer would be some sort of external investment, but it seems that many of our supporters are against that at all costs. It was interesting at the Fans Forum DJ said that he recently had 3 separate enquiries from people regarding investing in the club. Obviously, I have no idea how serious these are, but I personally would like to see these followed up to see if they are genuine. The whole question of control would be an important consideration, but if there was a serious proposition from an external investor I would like to think that the supporters/ owners would be given a chance to vote on the acceptability of it.
I don’t think we should close our minds to this possibility if it was an option.

It's only taken 2 weeks.

DJ also said that the enquiries hadn't proceeded much further than a tentative enquiry. Proof of funds was also mentioned, in addition to some potential investors being against the fan-ownership model.

I wondered how long it would take for someone to jump on what DJ said, and conveniently ignore what he said straight after it.

[Old Git]

I am simply making the point that there have been some enquiries. Of course any potential investors would have to be rigorously checked out. What I am saying is we should not close our minds to the possibility of outside investment. Although it seems you may have already done just that.

[Spyman]

Yep agree with you completely.
I have no issue with fan ownership and the security that it brings, but that to me is about the only positive really. Recognise that to many this is THE most important factor and respect their views completely.
Like I have said many times, I would give it up tomorrow if the right, reputable, researched investor came along and happily go with the ride and excitement that would potentially bring. Look at the excitement at clubs like York for example ( no idea by the way if the new owner matches the criteria above so may not be a great example).
Problem is as we know, there ain’t anyone that fits the bill!! Let’s hope one of these “approaches” does, and trust DJ in this process.
Maybe again, it’s an age and longevity thing, but I would much prefer 5 years of excitement and looking forward compared to stagnation.

Don't take this the wrong way, but it's a pretty selfish attitude.


You'd gamble our long term future for 5 years of excitement before you pop your clogs. Never mind about the younger fans who hope to have a club to support for as long as you've had.

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

That’s a pretty simplistic take on what I am saying!

If I was 30 years younger my view on not wanting years of stagnation, potential ownership of the club etc etc would be exactly the same.

Some fans will agree, some will utterly disagree, that’s fine, doesn’t mean everyone who differs is selfish, just have a different perspective.

You specifically said "maybe it's an age thing", suggesting that if you were younger you might feel differently. That's all.

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

[Spyman]

I am simply making the point that there have been some enquiries. Of course any potential investors would have to be rigorously checked out. What I am saying is we should not close our minds to the possibility of outside investment. Although it seems you may have already done just that.

The worry isn't necessarily who we sell our club to, it's what happens if/when they decide to move on. At that point we no longer have any say or control over who they sell to and two or three owners down the line we might end up with another Reynolds/Houghton/Singh and there'd be nothing we could do to stop it.

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

[Quakerlad]

I am simply making the point that there have been some enquiries. Of course any potential investors would have to be rigorously checked out. What I am saying is we should not close our minds to the possibility of outside investment. Although it seems you may have already done just that.

The worry isn't necessarily who we sell our club to, it's what happens if/when they decide to move on. At that point we no longer have any say or control over who they sell to and two or three owners down the line we might end up with another Reynolds/Houghton/Singh and there'd be nothing we could do to stop it.

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

You’re right of course but equally how long can we put up with the stagnation that we currently have. That’s a risk too because based on last 20 games or so we would be relegated no question.

It’s a difficult one to solve but will only find out if somehow some wonderful investor appears.

[Spyman]

I am simply making the point that there have been some enquiries. Of course any potential investors would have to be rigorously checked out. What I am saying is we should not close our minds to the possibility of outside investment. Although it seems you may have already done just that.

The worry isn't necessarily who we sell our club to, it's what happens if/when they decide to move on. At that point we no longer have any say or control over who they sell to and two or three owners down the line we might end up with another Reynolds/Houghton/Singh and there'd be nothing we could do to stop it.

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

You’re right of course but equally how long can we put up with the stagnation that we currently have. That’s a risk too because based on last 20 games or so we would be relegated no question.

It’s a difficult one to solve but will only find out if somehow some wonderful investor appears.

Why is the current "stagnation" (7 consecutive seasons in the same division?) any worse than the 20-odd season "stagnation" we had in League 2 through the 90s and 00s?

We'll always reach a point where we "stagnate", as you put it. Other than a sense of pride at being in the football league, there's very little difference, and half the fans who fixate on reaching the football league also bitch and moan about the premier league - which is surely the end goal for any self respecting football club.

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

[Quakerlad]

I am simply making the point that there have been some enquiries. Of course any potential investors would have to be rigorously checked out. What I am saying is we should not close our minds to the possibility of outside investment. Although it seems you may have already done just that.

The worry isn't necessarily who we sell our club to, it's what happens if/when they decide to move on. At that point we no longer have any say or control over who they sell to and two or three owners down the line we might end up with another Reynolds/Houghton/Singh and there'd be nothing we could do to stop it.

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

You’re right of course but equally how long can we put up with the stagnation that we currently have. That’s a risk too because based on last 20 games or so we would be relegated no question.

It’s a difficult one to solve but will only find out if somehow some wonderful investor appears.

Why is the current "stagnation" (7 consecutive seasons in the same division?) any worse than the 20-odd season "stagnation" we had in League 2 through the 90s and 00s?

We'll always reach a point where we "stagnate", as you put it. Other than a sense of pride at being in the football league, there's very little difference, and half the fans who fixate on reaching the football league also bitch and moan about the premier league - which is surely the end goal for any self respecting football club.

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

For me it’s the fact that we have 100% reached our level. Our budget without BTB is bottom 4 in NLN and even with it makes it unlikely to be hugely competitive. These are facts confirmed by DJ and will not change under the current model. The new ground is still way off.

Yep, for me this is worse than struggling along in the Football League with an odd exciting season thrown in.

[Ghost_Of_1883]

You’re right of course but equally how long can we put up with the stagnation that we currently have.

For ever.

Never a single owner ever again.

The fact that the club was almost bankrupted 3 times, with many more flying by the seats of our pants moments in between, culminating in being threw into the Royston Veysey Clown Challenge Invitational League, and all of the pitchfork waving fuckwits we had to put up with just because we are Darlo - and people want the chance of this shite happening again in the future? What is wrong with these people?

Get to fuck.

[Ghost_Of_1883]

For me it’s the fact that we have 100% reached our level. Our budget without BTB is bottom 4 in NLN and even with it makes it unlikely to be hugely competitive. These are facts confirmed by DJ and will not change under the current model. The new ground is still way off.

Yep, for me this is worse than struggling along in the Football League with an odd exciting season thrown in.

It isn't.

It's exactly the same, except at least we get to steer the ship.

There will always be a ceiling somewhere and the same complaints at that point. This is the point where fans start wanting to bet the farm on it all, or should I say start crying about finding a benefactor to bet their own farm on it all - just to satisfy a thousand people.

If we want a bigger budget then we need bigger gates, more sponsorship and even more BTB - we will always have the club that we deserve. Whether that be a more successful club or a less successful one.

PS I'm sick of hearing about fucking budgets. We are now Budget FC.

[Quakerlad]

You’re right of course but equally how long can we put up with the stagnation that we currently have.

For ever.

Never a single owner ever again.

The fact that the club was almost bankrupted 3 times, with many more flying by the seats of our pants moments in between, culminating in being threw into the Royston Veysey Clown Challenge Invitational League, and all of the pitchfork waving fuckwits we had to put up with just because we are Darlo - and people want the chance of this shite happening again in the future? What is wrong with these people?

Get to fuck.

Completely respect your view and others who would not give up fan ownership no matter what the level, or alternative that was on the table and see why you would do that.
The fact is though that others may have different views and think you should accept and respect that too.

[Old Git]

You’re right of course but equally how long can we put up with the stagnation that we currently have.

For ever.

Never a single owner ever again.

The fact that the club was almost bankrupted 3 times, with many more flying by the seats of our pants moments in between, culminating in being threw into the Royston Veysey Clown Challenge Invitational League, and all of the pitchfork waving fuckwits we had to put up with just because we are Darlo - and people want the chance of this shite happening again in the future? What is wrong with these people?

Get to fuck.

Completely respect your view and others who would not give up fan ownership no matter what the level, or alternative that was on the table and see why you would do that.
The fact is though that others may have different views and think you should accept and respect that too.

Absolutely correct. The fan ownership zealots hate it when anyone dares to point out the limitations of their ownership model.

[Ghost_Of_1883]

Absolutely correct. The fan ownership zealots hate it when anyone dares to point out the limitations of their ownership model.

I couldn't give a fuck if you point out said limitations, let alone hate it being pointed out. I know the limitations and am happy for the club to exist within them. Every club has limitations.

[Old Git]

Absolutely correct. The fan ownership zealots hate it when anyone dares to point out the limitations of their ownership model.

I couldn't give a fuck if you point out said limitations, let alone hate it being pointed out. I know the limitations and am happy for the club to exist within them. Every club has limitations.

Ok thanks for clearing that up.
With more fans like you the sky’s the limit

[don'tbuythesun]

I'm not sure preferring to be fan owned makes us zealots? As you're an old git you must have been through the mill like the rest of us. Imagine if we'd been fan owned years ago we might have stayed and redeveloped Feethams and stayed in the league.

[H1987]

I am, by nature optimistic. We can still aim for a playoff spot. Thank Christ we only have to play Curzon at home once.

There were glimpses from the new signings.

[Old Git]

I'm not sure preferring to be fan owned makes us zealots? As you're an old git you must have been through the mill like the rest of us. Imagine if we'd been fan owned years ago we might have stayed and redeveloped Feethams and stayed in the league.

Sorry, perhaps zealots is a bit harsh. Maybe dreamer is more apt in your case

[theoriginalfatcat]

Can I point out the bleeding obvious first.

From the dictionary. investor / noun = "a person or organization that puts money into financial schemes, property, etc. with the expectation of achieving a profit"

So, what are these mythical investors going to want from DFC in return? What can we offer them?

Leaving that point to hang, I've been supporting DFC since 96 and in that time I've seen Reynolds, Houghton, and Singh all pass by for their own nefarious needs and it's been like reading a different book with the same plot, and I don't fancy it again.

Yes it's frustrating, yes it's limiting but it's better than administration and everything that goes with it.

As another point, re the recent lowering of fan expectations by the club, I hope the players aren't picking up the same mantra because if they are we're not going to get the best out of them.

[Darlo_lad]

Absolutely correct. The fan ownership zealots hate it when anyone dares to point out the limitations of their ownership model.

I couldn't give a fuck if you point out said limitations, let alone hate it being pointed out. I know the limitations and am happy for the club to exist within them. Every club has limitations.

Sadly we've reached our ceiling with the fan owned model. The new ground is as far away as ever. Without this we have no chance of lasting progress. I'd take an owner so long as investment was just that and no loans. There is nothing gained from saying we would never take one. The reality is though that without a ground we have zero assets for anyone to invest in.