Page 38 - link magazine

38 The Link Magazine • February 2006
The Swindon Town debate
Last month Shaw Forest Protection Group campaigner Alan Hayward explained why the County Ground should be developed for
Swindon's football club. Here fellow forest protector John Doyle says council taxpayers should stay well away from assisting the club.
Ina borough of 190,000, Swindon duct the away fans and those who in the board room to cease to be a A football club can undoubtedly
Town FC attracts average crowds support the team but don't pay Swindon concern. STFC's regis- be a great source of pride for a
of 5,500. That's less than 3 per the borough council tax and this tered office is in Newbury, its legal town but the stadium proposals
cent of the local population. De- number is woefully small. advisors would be hard pressed to and posturing of the STFC board
The County Ground has a ca- know where the County Ground are proving to be an embarrass-
5 I Y
p acit of roug hY l 15 500 so pearl is and none of its directors live in ment.
three seats are available for each the borough. If STFC is to survive, fundamen-
spectator. Readers could probably The Board of Directors is ex- tal changes need to take place to
produce a long list of interests, tremely unwilling to have a fans' re-establish a positive relationship
events and activities that have representative attend its meetings, with the area, the people and the
more appeal and offer better value yet it expects supporters to turn up fans. This need for change has been
Approved Driving Instructor for money than a trip to the County and buy their ever more expensive recognised at other football clubs.
Ground. tickets without complaint. When For example Chesterfield FC is now
`PA$$-PLU$' REGIfTERED ^l For me, watching Swindon successful companies are spend- a fan based club working with its
y Wildcats playing ice hockey at the ing large sums to develop their council and has turned a debt of
* Theor 'Test Tuition
Link Centre is an altogether more markets, get closer to customers £2.5 million into a small profit.
* Training Pack Available enjoyable way to spend some free and offer value for money, STFC York, Swansea and others are tak-
time. My need for football is now chooses to do the opposite. ing the same approach.
* Block Booking Discounts
satisfied by a well known satellite
* Refresher Courses TV supplier.
STFC has lost its relevance to all
Call Liz on 01793 486112 but a handful in Swindon. This
Ask about free lessons decline may be linked to decisions

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