Who Am I?

Jon GoslingMy passion for Brentford FC started through my best friend at school, Graham Bleach (he subsequently emigrated to Australia), whose dad and brothers all supported the Bees. He said I should come and watch some “real” football so, on 19 April 1969, I came to Griffin Park to see my first match versus Peterborough and, as they say, “the rest is history.” Looking back over those thirty-six years I have some great memories. I have particular fond memories of both the 1971-72 promotion winning team and the championship winning side of 1991-92. The 1991-92 season is particularly special not just because we ended the season as champions but also because this was when my son started to come with me to Griffin Park. Apart from the great day at Peterborough, two matches standout for me: the first was the 4-3 thrilling win over Leyton Orient (his first match) and the 4-0 thumping of Wigan (when he was mascot). More recently my daughter has taken an interest in the Bees and now comes to Bees matches when she visits. Whilst recognising that Brentford is now “in my blood” that is not the only reason I now support the Club.

I fundamentally believe a football club should be part of the local community and not some giant soulless corporate entity. Even before the advent of supporters’ trusts Brentford has been well known for its friendliness and work in the local community – being one of first to be recognised for its football in the community excellence nationally. It’s that sense of being part of both what happens on the pitch and also what happens off it that makes the Club special for me. This does not mean I have no ambition for the Club.

My vision is that you, the supporters, the local community and the Club employees all work together to build an inclusive and successful Brentford Football Club with a sustainable future in a modern stadium.

It is my belief in that vision that has led me to get involved with Bees United by launching the Bee Green recycling scheme and other fundraising initiatives, organising a supporter marketing “think-tank”, participating in the Fundraising and Marketing meetings and still bucket collecting, mainly at Brook Road (where I am a season ticket holder). In September 2004 I successfully stood for election to the Bees United Board. My election pledges were to make the workings of Bees United more open, enhance the accountability of the Bees United representatives on the Bees United Board and improve Bees United communications. Since my election I have played an active role in facilitating the creation of the following and their subsequent implementation:

I have been actively involved in the Bees United strategic review, drafting a Bees United communication plan and co-ordinating communication on behalf of the Trust. Also, I am very proud to have played an active role in Bees United’s acquisition of the Club for the supporters. Following the confirmation of my appointment to the board of Brentford Football Club Limited on 25 February 2006 I resigned from the Bees United Board. This is because I believe there should be a separation of duties between the Bees United and Brentford FC boards, it would have been unhealthy for both organisations if I remained responsible for policing my own activities.

Away from Brentford I work for a large multinational company with an annual turnover of $5 Billion. I hold a senior management position facilitating business improvement across Europe. I routinely work at Board level. I have the knowledge and skills of the way business works and the communications skills to ensure supporters are informed of the key issues affecting them

At home I continue to buy my own season ticket, parking and programmes. At the same time I frequently use the directors’ box for the purpose of exchanging views with the other directors. If I bring in personal guests to the box I pay for them in full. If I invite guests for Club business reasons these will not be paid for but declared on my website. Similarly I accept the free use of directors’ box at away games and any guests I take will be listed on here. I am benefiting, in this aspect, as I no longer buy away tickets (and don’t have to queue for them!) but Brentford Football Club is not losing financially.