Our fans can play their part - Edwards

EBBSFLEET UNITED secretary Roly Edwards has highlighted the importance of locally based fans to subscribe to MyFootballClub between now and February, writes Stephen McCartney.

Mr Edwards believes local fans should also play a key role in decisions affecting the Stonebridge Road club, along with members from further afield.

Writing in his programme notes for yesterday’s game against Kettering Town, which ended in a goal-less draw, Mr Edwards said: “The website ownership of our club continues to evolve. You may love or loathe the concept but one thing for sure is that MyFC represents the future of Ebbsfleet United FC and from that perspective alone I would urge all Fleet fans to take a closer look.

“I am a typical dyed in the wool old timer and would be the first to say that I do not agree with every aspect of MyFC ownership.

“There are some areas that are difficult to come to terms with but one year on I can honestly say that in my opinion most decisions are made in the correct spirit, with the football club and its supporters uppermost in the minds of the members.

“I believe that picking the team has been the biggest barrier for most of our long time fans, but let me tell you that this has been an option for most of this season and to date on every occasion the vote has been for Liam Daish to do his job.

“There are regular votes on issues around the club including sanctioning player transfers, ticket pricing and for sure there will be some very important issues upcoming.

“The opportunity is also there for you to propose a change affecting the club, as long as you receive the required number of seconds your proposal can go to an official vote - what a fantastic concept for those that have suffered years of frustration on the terraces.

“I believe it essential that our season ticket holders and regular attendees should be part of this process. Please don’t leave these important decisions just to our wider UK and overseas supporters, put your reservations to one side, the benefits are twofold, you will be helping the club financially and directly influencing the direction that the club takes in future.”

Meanwhile, back on the pitch, The Fleet face a tough battle to keep their hands on the Kent Senior Cup that they won with a comfortable 4-0 win over Cray Wanderers at Hayes Lane in July.

Dover Athletic are currently eight points clear at the top of the Ryman Premier League table and have Gravesend born Andy Hessenthaler in charge.

Defender Mark Ricketts, who picked up the man-of-the-match award against the Poppies yesterday, writing in his programme notes, expects a tough first round tie against the Whites.

“It definitely won’t be an easy tie, but as holders we’re looking to go out there and ensure that we make it through to the next round,” he said.

“We will be going out there and attempting to do the job in a very professional manner.”

The Fleet have lowered admission prices for the game to £6 (adults) and £3 (concessions) and Fleet boss Liam Daish is expected to make some changes to his side.

“It’s come at the right time, there’s a few players that need games, need sharpening up and force the issue with the picking, who I’m going to play,” Daish told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“It gives them a chance to stake a claim and put a seed in my head so we’re looking forward to that (game).”

Visit Ebbsfleet United’s website:  www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk

Visit Dover Athletic’s website: www.doverathletic.com

Ebbsfleet United v Dover Athletic
Kent Senior Cup First Round
Tuesday 25^th November 2008
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Stonebridge Road, Northfleet, Kent DA11 9GN