Month: November 2020

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Player departures and the resumption of matches: an update

It has been confirmed that Ryan Blackman and Lyle Della-Verde have signed deals at Welling United following the recently announced dual registration arrangement with them.

Town Chairman Paul Reed said “It’s no surprise that Lyle and Ryan have excelled at Step 2 – they are both very fine players as we have seen from their performances in a Town shirt throughout their time with us. We always knew there would be a risk of us losing one or both players once they had dual-registered and we wish them every success in the future.

“Without contracts for most of our players, we were unable to do anything to prevent Ryan and Lyle dual-registering with Welling. We tried to work with the spirit of the dual registration arrangement rather than fighting it and possibly either or both players asking to deregister with us. We of course understood the impact of the lack of football income on both players’ own personal circumstances and wanted to be sympathetic to their desire to earn some income during these tough times.

“My day job is in the world of recruitment and it’s hard not to equate that with this current situation. If the vast majority of us were offered more money or a perceived bigger role with a different organisation then which of us wouldn’t take that opportunity? Us supporters will always have unflinching loyalty to our club, whereas players are understandably much more likely to see their time with us as part of a wider career for themselves.

“Where I do feel let down, though, is with Welling and their communication around all this. The management team there were very proactive when they wanted to approach the players and looked to fully utilise their contacts at our club to expedite the moves. However, this proactivity has been noticeably absent throughout the past week or so, with the only news of the departures coming from the players themselves. Nothing surprises me in football, however, and we can only maintain our own standards as a club and continue to act as professionally and as decently as possible whilst keeping the club’s best interests at the heart of all we do.”

Away from player news, Paul has also given an update on the restart of games at our level: “There is still a lot of uncertainty around if and when our league season will recommence, not least as the new tier systems make it impossible for some clubs in our league to host spectators and for the rest of us to benefit from secondary income through bar takings etc. The Isthmian League have called a meeting of all member clubs on Tuesday evening in an attempt to gain a consensus with which to move forward. The league will then, in turn, work with the other Trident leagues to come up with an aligned approach across Steps 3 and 4. There are a huge raft of factors to consider across the country and I’m sure there will be plenty of debate to come. We will of course keep you updated.

“Whilst the league campaign remains somewhat in limbo, I think it is clear that we will be expected to play our Buildbase FA Trophy match against Maldon & Tiptree on Wednesday 9th December. Further details and ticket information will be released as soon as possible.”

With this match approaching, manager Andy Leese has confirmed that there will be a behind-closed-doors friendly at Hayes & Yeading United on Saturday 5th December.

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Revised 20/21 fixture schedule

The Football Association have issued a brief statement (addressing the post-Lockdown 2 period): “We note the Government’s further update today (Thursday 26 November) on the three tiered system and continue our ongoing dialogue with Government to clarify the details and next steps, including travel between tiers. We will publish detailed guidance once we’ve clarified these details.”

In the meantime, the Pitching In Isthmian League have published a revised schedule of Premier Division matches for the remainder of the season. Town’s provisional list is reproduced below (as well as being available at https://etfc.london/calendar/matches-2020-21 ), starting with the visit of Maldon & Tiptree in the First Round of the Buildbase FA Trophy on Wednesday 9th December. The provisional dates for the 2nd and 3rd Rounds of this season’s competition are Tuesday 15th December and Saturday 19th December respectively.

Town supporters will continue to be updated through the website and social media as soon as any additional information becomes available.

Wed 9 DecHMaldon & TiptreeFA Trophy 17.45pm
Sat 12 DecHEast Thurrock UnitedIsthmian Premier3pm
Sat 19 DecAWingate & FinchleyIsthmian Premier3pm
Sat 26 DecAHaringey BoroughIsthmian Premier3pm
Mon 28 DecHPotters Bar TownIsthmian Premier3pm
Sat 2 JanABowers & PitseaIsthmian Premier3pm
Sat 9 JanHHorshamIsthmian Premier3pm
Tue 12 JanACheshuntIsthmian Premier7.45pm
Sat 16 JanHCarshalton AthleticIsthmian Premier3pm
Tue 19 JanAHornchurchIsthmian Premier7.45pm
Sat 23 JanABrightlingsea RegentIsthmian Premier3pm
Tue 26 JanHBognor Regis TownIsthmian Premier7.45pm
Sat 30 JanHCheshuntIsthmian Premier3pm
Sat 6 FebACray WanderersIsthmian Premier3pm
Tue 9 FebAFolkestone InvictaIsthmian Premier7.45pm
Sat 13 FebHHornchurchIsthmian Premier3pm
Sat 20 FebABognor Regis TownIsthmian Premier3pm
Sat 27 FebALewesIsthmian Premier3pm
Tue 2 MarHBishop’s StortfordIsthmian Premier7.45pm
Sat 6 MarHMersthamIsthmian Premier3pm
Sat 13 MarAKingstonianIsthmian Premier3pm
Sat 20 MarHFolkestone InvictaIsthmian Premier3pm
Sat 27 MarAWorthingIsthmian Premier3pm
Sat 3 AprAMargateIsthmian Premier3pm
Mon 5 AprHHaringey BoroughIsthmian Premier3pm
Sat 10 AprALeatherheadIsthmian Premier3pm
Sat 17 AprHCorinthian-CasualsIsthmian Premier3pm
Sat 24 AprAEast Thurrock UnitedIsthmian Premier3pm
Sat 1 MayHWingate & FinchleyIsthmian Premier3pm
Mon 3 MayAPotters Bar TownIsthmian Premier3pm
Sat 8 MayHCray WanderersIsthmian Premier3pm
Sat 15 MayHWorthingIsthmian Premier3pm
Sat 22 MayHBowers & PitseaIsthmian Premier3pm

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Maldon and East Thurrock fixture updates

Following the government’s announcement about the reopening of grassroots sport from 2nd December (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/culture-secretary-announces-return-of-fans-to-elite-sports-events-and-reopening-of-grassroots-sport-from-2-december ) and the FA’s response (https://www.thefa.com/news/2020/nov/23/statement-on-grassroots-football-post-lockdown-231120 ) the club can now confirm that its next two first team fixtures post-lockdown2 will be at home to Maldon & Tiptree in the Buildbase FA Trophy First Round on Wednesday 9th December (7.45pm) and to East Thurrock United in the Pitching In Isthmian League Premier Division on Saturday 12th December (3.00 pm).

The next steps in terms of preparation for these two fixtures, and for those beyond, will be very much dependent on the anticipated government announcement about the strengthened tier system, and its geographical impact, after the lockdown ends.

26TH NOVEMBER UPDATE: GREATER LONDON BOROUGHS HAVE BEEN CLASSIFIED AS TIER 2 AREAS FROM 2ND DECEMBER, SO IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT A LIMITED NUMBER OF SPECTATORS WILL BE PERMITTED AT GROUNDS IN THOSE AREAS.

Supporters will be updated when further information is available.

Revised Buildbase FA Trophy date

A provisional new date for Enfield Town v Maldon & Tiptree in the First Round of the FA Trophy is Tuesday 8 December (7.45pm). SINCE REVISED TO WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER (7.45PM).

This is subject to a number of interim discussions and agreements, including whether or not the national lockdown is extended beyond 2nd December. The club will update supporters as soon as it is able to do so.

Further information on the lifting of the suspension of the competition is available on the FA website: https://www.thefa.com/news/2020/nov/20/buildbase-fa-trophy-and-vase-updated-round-dates-201120

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Society AGM

The Enfield Town FC Supporters Society 2021 Annual General Meeting will take place on Thursday 21st January at 7.30pm via Zoom link. Members have been sent an agenda and background material direct via e-mail.

The provisional agenda is:

1) To receive the minutes of the AGM held on 23 January 2020

2) To receive a report from Paul Reed, Chairman, and members of the Board on current issues – including whether the season should be terminated – and a review of the Club’s progress against its business plan.

3) To receive the Accounts of the Society and ETFC Ltd for the year ended 30 June 2020

4) To receive a report on the work of the ETFC Academy – Billy Highton

5) To receive a report on the work of the Sports Development Company (Enfield Town FC Community Sports Development Ltd) – Paul Millington

6) Manager’s Report – There will be an opportunity to discuss playing matters with Andy Leese in a question and answer session.

A record of the meeting will be available in due course after the event for members who are unable to attend.

Isthmian League

Isthmian League statement

The Pitching In Isthmian League have issued a brief statement which summarises some of the outcomes of a meeting held earlier today. The headline item is that – subject to government approval in due course – Isthmian football is provisionally scheduled to restart on Saturday 19th December, provided spectators are allowed to attend. The club will issue additional updates online as they become available.

The brief statement appears on the Isthmian League website:

https://www.isthmian.co.uk/an-early-christmas-present-64497

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Why not join the Board of the UK’s First Fan Owned Football Club!

Why not join the Board of the UK’s First Fan Owned Football Club! While the fans of some clubs can only chant “sack the Board” when it all goes wrong, as members of the UK’s first supporters-owned club you can vote for your Board members or even put yourself forward for election.

And even if you’re relatively satisfied with the Club’s current on and off the field position, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seriously think about standing for election if you have the time, energy and skills which you think can take our Club forward as it pursues its vision of being an inclusive club for all and a football and social centre for the community, with a range of teams playing at the highest sustainable level possible.

The annual elections to the Board of the Enfield Town FC Supporters Society and the Football Club will be held between now and January 2021. This is an opportunity for members to stand for election to the Board and for members to vote if the number of candidates exceeds the places available. The Board has twelve members with a third of the number required to stand down each year in rotation.

If you wish to stand for election you must have been a member of ETFC Supporters Society for at least 12 months and you must submit a nomination form by Thursday 3 December. A form is available at the end of this document . You also need to get three ETFCSSL members to sign the nomination form, and you may submit up to 200 words to support your candidacy. If the number of candidates exceeds the number of places available there will be an election, with ballot papers sent to paid- up members with the AGM notice. The intention is to announce the results of any election at the AGM on Thursday 21 January 2021.

Person Specification

A passion for Enfield Town FC is a good starting point! The constitution of the Society refers to the promotion of Association Football in the London Borough of Enfield and therefore the focus is not just on the first team.

The Board is keen to develop the scope of its membership and to attract younger people, women, and those from minority ethnic groups, to better align Board membership with the community ethos of the Club.

Board Meetings usually take place once a month, and directors are expected to attend. Specific workstreams are set up from time to time to focus on detailed aspects of the Board’s undertakings, for example on matchday arrangements or income generation. Board members may be required to represent the club at external meetings and to represent the club on match days.

“​The Board requires different skill sets to function properly. From a list that is not exhaustive, examples of the skills and experience that could be useful are:

  • Project management
  • Marketing, communications, and promotional experience
  • Experience with community projects
  • Work in the leisure sector
  • Work in the voluntary sector
  • Running a business

These are just examples and if you think you have skills and commitment to take the club forward do not be put off by this list!

At the present time we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people who have experience in:

  • Marketing and ‘selling’, and who would also be prepared to undertake commercial promotional activities on some match days
  • Current communications processes, whether technology based or otherwise
  • Working with, and co-ordinating, volunteers

We would also like to increase the presence at our stadium during the week to assist with administrative tasks and liaison with contractors and visitors, and so would welcome interest from people who have the capacity to help with this.

Time and frequency of Board Meetings and any sub-groups is dependent upon the current priorities of the club, for example during the pandemic the Board has met fortnightly via Zoom. Actions arising from those meetings will necessitate a flexible approach to the hours of service per week or month from each elected Director.

We will be seeking nominations for election to the Board of Enfield Town FC Supporters Society and the Football Club between now and 3 December.

How to Put Your Name Forward

Applications can be made online, by email or by post:

If you are interested, or have any questions prior to nominations being considered, please speak to any current Board member, or contact Company Secretary Akin Yilmaz, whose details can be found here.

Election Timetable

Action TimingDate
Nomination Period Opens  AGM – 9 weeks19 November 2020
Nomination Period Closes  AGM – 7 weeks3 December 2020
Postal ballot papers issued to all members with notice & agenda for AGM AGM – 5 weeks17 December 2020
Ballot Closes  AGM – 2 Weeks7 January 2021
Ballot results announced  AGM21 January 2021
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ETFC ONLINE STORE NOW OPEN!

We are delighted to say our online store is now up and running and ready to serve your needs. Find us at: https://shop.etfc.london/product-category/merchandise or click the ‘Shop’ link on the website. We will be adding new products all the time, so keep checking back to see what hot new products we have available.

All our current shirts are available – so you can choose from the home, yellow away, green away and also the purple or orange goalkeeper shirts. All sizes are available to order, though please note not all sizes will be in stock, however, the lead time with our supplier is quite short so we would expect to be able to fulfil all orders within 2-3 weeks.  We also have a Macron ETFC coat available to order and will continue to add more clothing and souvenirs as soon as we can. This is a great opportunity to support your club whilst we are in lockdown and also plan ahead for Christmas, which is now just around the corner and now is a great time to sort out gifts for your loved ones.

We can offer postage direct to your home or work place for extra convenience; we also offer a Click & Collect option, which is free, but please note you can only collect from the club shop on matchdays. We will strive to offer the best service we can for you and keep you updated as to the date your order will be delivered/ready to collect. Please do be aware though that we are of course affected by the current covid-19 restrictions which may slow things down a little.

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Lyle and Ryan dual-register with Welling United

Midfielders Ryan Blackman and Lyle Della-Verde have dual-registered with Conference South club Welling United in advance of the Wings’ behind-closed-doors match against Chelmsford City tomorrow (7th November), following an agreed waiver of the usual 7-day approach procedure.

This amicable arrangement will be an opportunity for the two players to keep match fit while Town’s own season at Step 3 level is on hold until the current lockdown ends. They both remain Enfield Town players, and the club looks forward to seeing them back in a white shirt when Isthmian League Premier Division football restarts. In the meantime, we wish them both all the best over the next few weeks!

Non-elite football suspended

As a result of the UK Government’s new national Covid-19 restrictions, and subject to Members of Parliament voting tomorrow [Wednesday 4 November 2020] and the publication of bespoke guidance from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport [DCMS], the impact on ‘non elite’ football in England will include the suspension of all fixtures and training for Steps 3-6 of the National League system [NLS] during this period:

The FA’s full statement can be found here: https://www.thefa.com/news/2020/nov/03/non-elite-football-statement-031120