Funny game, football. You only ever have one true love - in my case, the
beloved Hornets - whilst most fans have a soft spot for one or two
other clubs. It isn't the same thing as for your real love, but it still
counts in a slightly flirtatious way. For instance, the non-league team
down the road...it preys on your mind about going to see a game...if I go
will I be unfaithful to my one and only? Last night I went and watched St
Albans City, down at Clarence Park and had a very enjoyable evening.
City fans were just glad to see some football, after being deprived by a
Ryman League ruling due to their financial situation. Whilst the players
were a bit rusty, being without competitive football for a couple of
months, the 1-1 draw with Hendon was thoroughly enjoyed by the 530 fans
present. The game itself might not have been of "Premier League" standard,
but was certainly £7 entrance money well spent.
What a contrast, a club on the point of extinction and a club that has
financially never had it so good. Watford fans should realise that
comparatively we are in a different league; with proposed corporate East
Stand tickets costing upwards of £5,000, St Albans were selling season
tickets for £200, which includes an additional £80 contribution to the
club coffers.
Watford fans are currently moaning about this and that, (do you really
need me to elucidate on what?) whilst City fans are very concerned that the
club has a secure future. A very humbling experience, if you are a genuine
football fan.
Without clubs like St Albans, Hayes, Wealdstone, players like Ian Wright,
Les Ferdinand, Stuart Pearce wouldn't have had a later opportunity to get
into the professional game. Baldock Town, from whom the Horns signed Kevin
Phillips, sadly went to the wall earlier this season. Other clubs are
similarly vulnerable.
Compare and contrast, Watford are spending £8 million on a new stand, St
Albans needs just £100,000 to survive. The weekly wage bill is probably
£3,000 for the City squad, whilst some of Watford's bigger earners probably
take home significant multiples of that figure.
Watford are fortunate that the financial future looks pretty good - and
long may it continue. It is right that the club moves forward and builds a
team and facilities suitable for top-level football. We as fans have to be
patient, as Luca builds the team and the club builds the ground, we all
know it isn't all going to happen overnight without one or two brick-bats
along the way. Meanwhile, City's horizons are much more limited.
While Watford will always come first, if you are ever stuck for a game,
give a thought to getting down to Clarence Park to catch City. You'll have
a good afternoon or evening out whilst also making a small contribution to
their survival.
(13/02/02)