Have read with interest, the comments of many regarding the disgraceful behaviour of Chichester City and would like to suggest that, with the exception of a few 'level-headed' and understanding comments, the people who are calling for crippling fines to, and the 'kicking out' of one of the proudest and historic clubs in the league (I also refer here to Portield F.C. as one half of the existing football club) are a disgrace THEMSELVES.
Do these people not realise that there must be very good reasons why the proud and hard working 'football men' currently running the club, would put themselves throught the pain of cancelling two games due to lack of players. It was humiliating and hurtful for them to do so and, as great 'footballing men' who would understand the situation others might find themselves in, hard to take the verbal attacks on the club they love.
So let's put the record straight and answer some of the comments.
1/ The problems at Chichester have been created over the past ten to twelve years and are not as a result of the actions of the current board, who all agreed to step in and help the club untangle an awful mess. These past problems have not been caused exclusively by Adrian Girdler, nor the club itself and there have been many parties and organisations that have made their contribution to the mess that had been made.....the last 18 months have been spent untangling the mess, not creating it.
2/ The club did find itself in a situation similar to that of Wick. They immediately asked for a postponement of the next fixture, which was not granted and, subsequently, inspite of all attempts and because of circumstances people are not aware of, had to cancel at the last minute. This was the same for the second game. Chichester will be more than happy to play both fixtures again and I am sure Horsham, who had problems of their own earlier in the season, will be pleased to oblige. Also, Chichester, at all levels, have always obliged this season when asked to help out other teams and reduce their fine or player commitment easier.
3/ only ONE u18 has registerd and played for another county league club and this was because that club were prepared to overlook signing formalities that Chichester wouldn't. No doubt they (and other clubs) would (and have) be prepared to field ineligible players to put out a team....again in a way that Chichester are not. Actually, another of our U18's did play for another club before he transferred in, but he was out of the country at the time so didn't really play and score???People in glass houses eh!
4/ When U18's are not available to play on a Saturday because of work or because they have already played four or five games that week (and as player developers, we would not wish to force another game on them), it means they are not available and not that they WILL NOT play.
5/ The clubs' youth, U18's and Ladies are extremely close and support each other tremendously well. They also back the current management of the club. The club will, this week, announce the appointment of new managers for the senior team and the above mentioned bond will be reinforced even more greatly.
6/ I believe that the club would wish to apologise for all that as happened and will be more than happy to assist in any way to put that right. I also believe that this brief period of pain will pave the way for a bright new future and set the club on the road to a brighter, more successful and more enjoyable future.
They are, I am sure, grateful for the support of their fellow clubs in this difficult time.
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