Walton & Hersham

[hendo]

Well, we lost. It happens in football. Personally, I was disappointed but not disheartened.
The future is definitely yellow.


But what a weird situation for W&H. They have an amazing ground with a 4G pitch, fabulous facilities for players and spectators and a car park that could host Woodstock.
BUT I gather that they have to pay to play and they are not allowed to put up any advertising and the bar proceeds go to the Council.
Considering that the normal crowd was boosted with 30 travelling Gs, the money taken from the turnstile once a fortnight could hardly make a dent in the club expenses.


How do they survive?

[Deleted]

I’m not sure they are different to some other clubs, I presume Balham pay Colliers Wood? I’d gues their advantage is they won’t have to worry about cost of maintenance, Flor light repair etc.

[Shottermiller]

The old ground at Stompond Lane if I remember correctly was rather antiquated and run down and I've not visited there since BRTFC days. Wasn't there a running track around it? I wonder if the site was sold to developers which would have brought them in a healthy sum or perhaps part of the agreement for the new ground was the council acquiring the site? But, in reality, I couldn't really seeing any social housing being built in that neck of the woods.

So, surely Walton Casuals must play there under the same terms although isn't it on the site of their original round or close by. I can remember playing there back in the old Intermediate League days and have memories of it being beside a large leisure centre or swimming complex which presumably has all been updated in this new set up.

I can remember reading all about the set up possibly a good couple of years ago. You never know, someone from that area might be prepared to come on and explain the situations. Whatever the situation it must be a whole lot better than going over to Whyteleafe every other week which in itself must have been a costly business.

[eddie]

Walton and Hersham were sold down the river by Elmbridge Borough Council. The famous old ground at Stompond Lane was bequeathed to the council with a covenant on it that it was to be used for sport/leisure for the people of Walton. The council has somehow circumnavigated that. Over the last few years there has been a battle between local residents associaations with Walton and Hersham FC versus Elmbridge Borough Council. There was a lot of opposition to the plans to build a housing estate in the centre of Walton but, guess what, the council awarded themselves planning permission! 

The new ground is an equally shared facility with Walton Casuals. While the new ground was being developed Elmbridge Borough Council awarded Walton Casuals thousands of pounds in compensation (£6,000 a season I think). The facilities at the new ground are good but the place is soulless with no identity. In know the signage of both clubs was showing on Saturday but prior to that both clubs had to take their signage down after each match. There is no revenue from the bar or any advertising around the ground for the clubs - only for Elmbridge Borough Council. No music is allowed and you probably saw the signs around the ground about no swearing.

If it wasn't for our chairman and sponsors we would probably not exist. We will just have to get used to it I suppose but I have yet to hear a Swans supporter say that they like or prefer the new ground.

[Shottermiller]

Thanks for the update Eddie.

[crete2000]

And charging me £7.00 for a cheeseburger and a small bottle of Lucozade...Rip off. There won't be a next time for me at Walton.

[hendo]

I have encountered the Bond Street prices of 'Gourmet Burger' at other venues in the past. I assume Mr Burger (or Gourmet, as he's called by his happy bank manager) pays W&H a fixed fee to be there on the day, so the club doesn't make anything from profiteering.
Kev, you have to return, if only for the carpark: Acres of tarmac where white lines run free, offering a bewildering choice as to where to place your vehicle. Big fan.

Strange thing about carparks, has anyone else noticed that when people are going to a gym or pool for a workout, they try and park their cars as close as possible to the entrance of the sports centre? 

[crete2000]

Fair point Hendo.......A large car park with smooth tarmac is a real treat......I have to admit that I did at least 2 laps prior to picking my parking space.....there really was too much choice!! I guess the Burger cost so much due to the Brioche Bun....

[Grassroots]

It might be that, with such a big car park they saw you driving round a couple of times and said he must be loaded wasting all that petrol!! Charge him extra haha . 

[eddie]

Any revenue/fees from the burger van go to Elmbridge Borough Council (or the company they use to run the facility and the leisure centre). Yes, a rip-off, but no, nothing to do with the football club. It is the same if you buy a drink or cup of tea in the bar - the money goes to the council. I don't think any football club at this level could be financially independent given these circumstances and it does make me fear for the future of the club.

[Grassroots]

You could always come to Godalming!  Or maybe ground share ?