Letter from the Brentford FC boardroom, 22nd September 2006
Dear Supporters,
On Tuesday night I met with Alan Rogers to talk about the blind supporters' scheme the Club has been running for over 50 years. The scheme is in fact the second oldest in the country and is a great example of how the Club has always tried to work with the wider community. I was saddened to hear that Mary Farley, whose involvement with the scheme has been recognised by the FA, was still too unwell to come to Griffin Park. I send her my good wishes as I am sure you all do. The supporters I met were enthusiastic about both the scheme and the Club. A couple of them confessed to me they had originally supported other London clubs but once they discovered the scheme they were converted to Bees supporters. So if you know anyone who is blind or partially sighted ask them to come along to experience a match at Griffin Park. For more details contact Alan Rogers on 07814 297808.
I am interested in the blind scheme and the rest of the work the Club does for those with disabilities. This is because I believe if the Club is to be truly inclusive, it is an area in which we need to increase our involvement. During the coming weeks I will continue to find out more about the work both the Club and the Community Sports Trust do with those with disabilities. My aim will be to ensure that more is done to publicise this work, with the aim of growing the numbers of people with disabilities both coming to Griffin Park and participating in the schemes run by the Club and Sports Trust.
I have been asked, because average attendances so far this season have been below the 6,500 budget, if this means that we have a serious cash shortfall. Certainly if attendances continue at this level it will impact on our financial position, however the 6,500 budget is based on an average. Last season we averaged 6,775 and yet after the same number of home games we only had one attendance over 6,500 (6,969 Gillingham, August Bank Holiday Monday). Everyone at the Club would love to see higher attendances, but and at this stage of the season we are not seriously concerned but we will continue to monitor attendances carefully. We will also continue to find ways to encourage spectators to attend matches at Griffin Park. You as supporters can also do this by persuading family and friends to come along to watch the good football Leroy is encouraging the side to play.
Let’s work together!
Jon Gosling
Comments can either be sent to me on or directly via comments page.
25th September 2006