Post by Bushman on Nov 14, 2010 18:25:01 GMT
As printed in the Official Handbook 1933-34 Season back from the White City.
(Cover of handbook from Mac's pic)
Interesting links with today's financial problems in general.
Notes by the Editor
Unfortunately,we cannot look back with much satisfaction on last year's record at the White City Stadium. We began splendidly, only to falter at the halfway stage, and, not being firmly gripped, we faded away in a manner which was only too apparent in the attendances, with the consequence that the Directors found the Club losing money every week.
Very early this year it became obvious that the club could not carry on on at the White City Stadium. Therefore, after prolonged and careful consideration, the Directors decided to terminate the tenancy, and this was accordingly done. The White City ground is essentially one that be more than half-filled,otherwise it has a very deserted appearance, which makes the atmosphere quite depressing. Our attendances did not average one-tenth part of its capacity.
Our failure to make progress in the Cup also added to the worries of the exchequer. Taking the three ties in which the team played, the attendances both at home and away were so small that after expenses were accounted for a heavy loss was sustained.
I was a disastrous season for the club in every sense. The Directors were saddled with an ever-increasing overdraft at the bank; in fact, I am right in saying that they found it very difficult to carry on the club for the last few months of last season. Had it not been for the generosity of our Chairman, Mr. C. W. Fielding , and his co-Directors, the club would have been forced to close down as it could not have met its obligations.
I often wonder how many football spectators realise how difficult it is to run a professional football club to cover expenses, let alone make a profit. Obligations have to be entered into each year long before the playing season opens; there is a risk of players acquired not fitting into a team , and whether the public will give the constant support so necessary for success, all of which has to rest on the Directorate. Very few football clubs paid their way last season. Unemployment , of course , accounted for quite a number of the diminished gates experienced all over the country. Let us hope for the much-needed improvement in trade , with its corresponding benefit to all.
(Cover of handbook from Mac's pic)
Interesting links with today's financial problems in general.
Notes by the Editor
Unfortunately,we cannot look back with much satisfaction on last year's record at the White City Stadium. We began splendidly, only to falter at the halfway stage, and, not being firmly gripped, we faded away in a manner which was only too apparent in the attendances, with the consequence that the Directors found the Club losing money every week.
Very early this year it became obvious that the club could not carry on on at the White City Stadium. Therefore, after prolonged and careful consideration, the Directors decided to terminate the tenancy, and this was accordingly done. The White City ground is essentially one that be more than half-filled,otherwise it has a very deserted appearance, which makes the atmosphere quite depressing. Our attendances did not average one-tenth part of its capacity.
Our failure to make progress in the Cup also added to the worries of the exchequer. Taking the three ties in which the team played, the attendances both at home and away were so small that after expenses were accounted for a heavy loss was sustained.
I was a disastrous season for the club in every sense. The Directors were saddled with an ever-increasing overdraft at the bank; in fact, I am right in saying that they found it very difficult to carry on the club for the last few months of last season. Had it not been for the generosity of our Chairman, Mr. C. W. Fielding , and his co-Directors, the club would have been forced to close down as it could not have met its obligations.
I often wonder how many football spectators realise how difficult it is to run a professional football club to cover expenses, let alone make a profit. Obligations have to be entered into each year long before the playing season opens; there is a risk of players acquired not fitting into a team , and whether the public will give the constant support so necessary for success, all of which has to rest on the Directorate. Very few football clubs paid their way last season. Unemployment , of course , accounted for quite a number of the diminished gates experienced all over the country. Let us hope for the much-needed improvement in trade , with its corresponding benefit to all.