Great Time To Be a Hendon Fan

By HendonJohn22/3/2015 10:52Sun Mar 22 10:52:57 2015

Views: 4439

We have had a good few years in the wilderness. Being forced out of our spiritual home was heartbreaking. However, a small group of fans gave up considerable time and made sacrifices to keep the club going. Their dedication kept the Hendon FC name alive and has helped us get where we are today. Our future was uncertain though. What was certain was the hope. That was at the heart of all we have been through.

During our ‘transition’ someone unconnected with the club used the term ‘a club in terminal decline’ to describe our situation. That is what it appeared to the outside world and to some within the club as well. At times the atmosphere felt like people were waiting for the turnstiles to shut for the final time. Whilst there was breath in their bodies certain parties would not let that happen. Behind the scenes we held endless meetings with people making promises, were presented deals that were not what they seemed and even continual research into opportunities bore no fruition. A considerable amount went on behind the scenes that was never mentioned because constant presentation of fruitless opportunities would have been soul destroying to all concerned.

Off The Pitch
A small group of people worked extremely hard to keep the club going. Their commitment has ensured we have a Hendon FC to watch. Then Simon Lawrence met with Rob Morris and the exciting journey towards moving into Silver Jubilee Park began. Rob has a raft of ideas and contacts to help the club. SJP is our aim. It is not a done deal but we are ever hopeful it can happen. This has galvanised us and created a new energy amongst us all. The introduction of the youth teams is a real boon to the club.

Commercial Team
The introduction of the Commercial Team will give us a focus and manpower to start promoting the club and games in a way we have been unable to do until now. It certainly sounds exciting and the expertise they will bring can only benefit the club.

On The Pitch
Gary has worked wonders. He has created a formidable squad of players. They are far from being the best paid in the league but you can tell each and every one is proud to wear a green shirt and be part of the squad. We have a squad we should all be very proud of.

This Season
We have had an incredible season, so far. We are second in the league; we have one quarter final and one final to go as well. The performances have been superb. The players are giving their all and they make me even more proud of our club.

I have always been proud to be a green. Whether we win, lose or draw I try to turn up to the games I can. Work prohibits that at times. At the moment though, I am making more of an effort. I start earlier so I can finish on time. That pride is compounded at the moment though. Much more than that, I see Hendon going from strength to strength. A move to SJP would put us closer to ‘home’. It enables us to connect to those from the area who cannot make it these days. Many of you will have fond memories of Swannell, Haider, McCann, Drummy, Egbe, Duncan, Brady, Street and more. Come and watch us now. So in the future when they talk of Ibe, the Maclarens, Goode you know who they will be talking about.

The futures bright, the futures green and white!

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SJP and the League grading

By Paul Butler (buts1690)23/3/2015 21:09Mon Mar 23 21:09:56 2015In response to Great Time To Be a Hendon FanTop of thread

Views: 3873

Is it not the case that clubs get a "grace period" to get grounds up to scratch (as Peacehaven did/have this season)?

Just thinking of any possible way to fast forward the move, for example if we were promoted (or even staying in the same league)

Next season almost feels like a season in limbo otherwise.

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Re: SJP and the League grading

By Hendonboy23/3/2015 22:17Mon Mar 23 22:17:56 2015In response to SJP and the League gradingTop of thread

Views: 4109

Only if they're promoted, and in that case it has to be up to scratch for the division below - i.e. SJP would need a C grading for us to play Conference South OR Ryman Premier football there next season.

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SJP - first impressions are important!

By Simon25/3/2015 20:18Wed Mar 25 20:18:46 2015In response to Re: SJP and the League gradingTop of thread

Views: 3806

With just under 24 hours until our first match at SJP, I just wanted to mention a couple of ground rules.

Please bear in mind that not only is this Hendon fans' first taste of Hendon at SJP, it's also the first experience that local residents and the London Borough of Brent will have of Hendon.

There are 90 car park spaces available and we will be policing this very tightly. If the car park is full, please park in one of the side roads, not on a grass verge.

Please do not take alcohol out of the bar area.

When you leave the game, please leave quietly.

We want to have a mutually beneficial relationship with the local residents, so please be considerate of their needs.

I hope you're looking forward to tomorrow's game - I can't wait!

See you there

Simon

Edited by Simon at 20:19:34 on 25th March 2015

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