Planet Swans ArchivesThere was a rumour put on the message board of the site a few weeks ago that one of the stewards at the Vetch had been letting people in for free. Nothing was heard from then on in but clearly on Saturday the board knew what was happening and weeded out the problem. Huw Jenkins made his feelings clear on the matter “that’s robbing the club of income and it makes me sick.” he told the Evening Post and you have to admit that he has a point. It is pretty much well documented the financial problems that have hit the club in the last few years and whilst most appreciate that the club is still there and moving in the right direction there are still some that decide that they can take advantage and take income away from the club. Of course you could argue that it is only one or two people at £11 each but take two people at £11 for 23 games and you have over £500 a season. Just for starters. I assume that the steward in question is no longer a match day steward – any loss? I don’t think so.
I then found it difficult to comprehend people that haven’t paid their sponsorship bills. Not to worry of course only nine games into the season and free advertising again at the cost of income to the club. Who am I kidding? Of course there is reason to worry. I would imagine that most who advertise at the club claim they are supporting it – well on that basis surely then they should be supporting it where it matters most – in the pockets. Something for Nothing is the motto of some – well if it ever becomes known who the companies are may I be the first to suggest that it does become nothing as we look to take our custom elsewhere? These people cannot be real Swansea fans surely if they cannot take the time to pay their bills?
Jenkins of course went on with a pop at both Middlesborough and Man Utd for refusing to allow their players to become cup-tied by playing in Saturday’s game against Rushden at the Vetch. I can see both sides on this although (and maybe it’s bias) I do have to ask the obvious question – would any of the three get into either the Man Utd or the Middlesborough side in the competition this season – I doubt it. But then again it’s been that way for ages so maybe it is just something we will have to accept as the way of the world of taking players on loan?
It certainly must have been a frustrating day for Mr Jenkins but you can understand where he is coming from. We are told that the board all devote their time to the club for no wages etc and yet there are others taking a free ride along the way. Maybe they are loyal supporters but at the same time it also appears clear that there are other supporters that are prepared to stand up and point these people out to the board. Action is taken. I cannot imagine that it was a board member that spotted the steward letting in a fan for free over the weekend can you?
The club is moving forward slowly and I think some have taken it for granted that we are out of the woods and what funds we need are sitting there waiting for us to spend. Somehow I doubt that and until the freeloaders are rooted out and removed then maybe there never will be?
And of course well done the chairman for speaking his mind.
