just an idea to raise some money

[oldman]

How about manager for the day remember its just an idea it could involve say lunch first then in the changing rooms to listen to the team talk then sitting with Paul and the subs in the dugout then in the changing rooms for the team talk afterwards
as i say just an idea for some extra funds and a good insight into our team

[DaveF]

Was actually raised at a committee meeting 2 weeks ago, so is being followed up. Thanks for the ideas, keep 'em coming.

[Del]

Paul doesn't sit in the dug out during the game. He has a little chat with the ref!

[billy]

Why do they change dug outs from game to game ? Or am i seeing things......................

[DaveF]

They don't anymore, we had a league instruction for us to use the dug-out furthest from the half-way line.

[billy]

This season is the first time i've been for donkey's years and they have definitely alternated between the two dug outs.

[jw]

I think it was something to do with us choosing to use the normal 'away' dugout this year as our home one but preferring to use the usual 'home' one and we've been asked to use what is our 'away' one which is this years home one.

I hope you understood that because i didn't!

[silverfox]

Where's Cosec when you need him?!

[Stewart]

I think we were told to use the 'away' dug out for the cup games.

[DaveF]

The FA require dug-outs to be equidistant from the half-way line. There are a lot of grounds where this is not the case but the FA do recognise that asking everyone to move them is unnecessary expense. We were therefore instructed that we (SUFC) had to use the dug-out furthest from the half-way line in FA competitions. We continued to use the original "home" dug-out for league games.

We then had a league instruction to use the dug-out furthest from the half-way line for league games as well.

[silverfox]

Ah, there he is!

[DaveF]

They seek him here,
they seek him there,
.........

[Rambo]

He's certainly a "dedicated follower of fashion"...have you seen his scarf ??

[frakey]

I thought this had all been well documnted already!

[billy]

FISHER ATHLETIC VS EASTLEIGH
Blue Square Conference South
Date: Wednesday 18th February, 7:45pm KO
Venue: Champion Hill Stadium, East Dulwich.
Nearest Train Station: East Dulwich, 200 yards - trains direct from London Bridge.
Admission: Adults: £10 / Conc. £5 / Under 18's £2 / Under 12's accompanied by an Adult - Free

On Wednesday 18th February 2009 - History will be made as Donna Powell, the clubs turnstile operator, has been promoted to 1st Team Manager for the game against high-flying Eastleigh in a full Blue Square South league fixture. Powell, whose family have strong links with the club was set the task by Chairman Martin Eede of raising £500.00 sponsorship for the opportunity to manage the side. Fisher Press Officer Joe Arif explained; 'The novelty of having a woman in charge of a senior male football team was originally not the idea we had in mind. The club have been struggling financially for some time now, the Chairman Martin Eede called for a meeting with some supporters before Christmas to see how we could generate some extra revenue. One idea put forward was 'Be-The-Manager-For-The-Day' - a text competition but we struggled to get it off the ground. Donna found out about the idea and immediately had her heart set on it. She approached the Chairman about raising some sponsorship to be given this opportunity and it took off from there.'

The club were delighted to learn that no women has ever been placed in sole chance of a full male side for a competitive game, especially a team still plying their trade in the sixth tier of English football. The idea has already received some considerable interest from the press. Powell has so far been interviewed by the South London Press (out on Friday) and the Non League Paper. The London Metro and Times Newspaper are also said to be preparing story's for nearer the time. And the club are hopeful the BBC will follow up their initial interest and send a News Crew down to the cover the match.

The game against third-placed Eastleigh is set up nicely for Powell to showcase her already considerable managerial skills. The Fish, without a league win since November have lost their last ten league games on the bounce. The team, who have not been paid in five months, currently sit in 21st place, one off the bottom. Eastleigh on the other hand have won their last three games and are currently third in the table and still in the title race. To make matters worse, the Spitfires have always been something of a bogey side for Fisher and have scored thirteen goals without reply in the previous four fixtures between the two clubs. Arif said on the clubs chances; 'We need a miracle to avoid relegation and we probably need a minor miracle to avoid defeat next Wednesday. But miracles do happen and hopefully ours will be Donna! The team has shown signs of improvement and have been unlucky in the last few games so we're not too far off the pace. Our manager Dave Mehmet, in truth, has already performed great things just getting a team out every week and thus far we've avoided embarrassing defeats in terms of scoreline. If Donna can turn things round, then who knows - maybe there's a permanent position in future! It's a great opportunity and Donna knows it, she's already attended a few training sessions and was introduced to the squad a couple of weeks ago.'

Powell, 27, told the clubs website; 'I'm confident I can do well. I already run a boys football team - Red Lion Boys Under 11's. We're having a good season and we remain unbeaten in the league. I'm no shrinking violet and don't suffer fools lightly. I'll be picking the team and they'll be playing my way, none of this long ball nonsense - we'll be passing the ball on the floor, playing the game the right way. Sure, I'll be nervous - I realise there's a difference between kids football and the Conference South but I see it as football is football no matter how old they are - and I know my stuff.' Powell continued on the teams chances; 'It will be a tough job as Eastleigh are third and we've lost ten in a row but to me that doesn't mean a thing - it's what happens on the day. I see this as an opportunity, there are not enough women in football and why shouldn't a women manage a male side. If she's got the right experience and credentials then why not? But first and foremost I'm doing this to raise money for Fisher, I hope we get a good turnout and people can give me and the team the support we need and it's an enjoyable evening for everyone. I would also like to thank all the people who sponsored me so I could do this, hopefully I can return your good faith with a win!'