Viking Supporters Co-operative

Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: Barmby Rover on May 17, 2018, 06:22:09 pm

Title: Belles
Post by: Barmby Rover on May 17, 2018, 06:22:09 pm
What a bunch of idiots we have at The Keepmoat, the most successful club in the so called "club Doncaster" having to move to play their last game in SHEFFIELD to celebrate their winning of the league. The club should hang its head in shame.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: mpc123 on May 17, 2018, 06:54:54 pm
I made this mistake last week, belles are not in club Doncaster
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: Boomstick on May 17, 2018, 07:15:58 pm
shambolic, well done Baldwin.

surely changing the kick off time for both games, would be the simplest solution that's sitting just beyond their nose end.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: scawsby steve on May 17, 2018, 07:32:21 pm
I fully sympathise with anyone who is bitterly disappointed at the situation of the Belles having to celebrate their title win in Sheffield, but no way is this the fault of Club Doncaster; the Dons are bound to be given priority at the Keepmoat, when they are part of Club Doncaster and the Belles are not.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: RedJ on May 17, 2018, 08:31:38 pm
shambolic, well done Baldwin.

surely changing the kick off time for both games, would be the simplest solution that's sitting just beyond their nose end.

And does Gavin Baldwin personally decide the kick off times that every team that plays at the Keepmoat has?
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: dknward2 on May 17, 2018, 09:34:35 pm
Can’t understand why they going all the way to Sheffield why not play at rossington or armthorpe
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: drfchound on May 17, 2018, 09:44:42 pm
Can’t understand why they going all the way to Sheffield why not play at rossington or armthorpe





Good question,I am sure there would be sufficient room at one of those grounds for anyone who wanted to go and watch.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: big fat yorkshire pudding on May 17, 2018, 09:46:36 pm
Pitch quality?  These are good in some cases international players...
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: chrisd_123 on May 17, 2018, 10:12:09 pm
Can’t understand why they going all the way to Sheffield why not play at rossington or armthorpe

Unfortunately those grounds don't meet the FA criteria with regards to FA WSL games. Its all down to certain facilities and also the level of the team that plays there (no, I don't know why this is the case either). Things like media facilities and number of available seats comes into it.

Sheffield just so happened to have not already ripped their pitch up and as we have a good relationship with them, they've helped us out.

We had agreed to play on the Saturday but the FA have requested all games be played at the same time on the Sunday with it being the last game of the season.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: graingrover on May 17, 2018, 10:40:00 pm
FA lack of flexibility to blame then but don't miss an opportunity to bash Baldwin  will you. Do you think the Belles will. ever ask. Club Doncaster to finance their Licence 1 needs or do they wish imdependence at all. costs.

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Title: Re: Belles
Post by: dknward2 on May 17, 2018, 10:42:55 pm
Ok understandable shame it couldn’t be done as a double header with dons kicking off early or later
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: chrisd_123 on May 17, 2018, 10:56:13 pm
FA lack of flexibility to blame then but don't miss an opportunity to bash Baldwin  will you. Do you think the Belles will. ever ask. Club Doncaster to finance their Licence 1 needs or do they wish imdependence at all. costs.

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I hope you're not accusing me of having a go at the club there?

The Belles and Rovers are in regular contact but it's not quite that simple. The Tier One application costs a hell of a lot more than you may think, hence why the Belles have been smart and delayed this.

The Belles are open to all options and have been for a few years. But it's not quite as simple as asking Rovers for money and them just giving the money. It has to suit both sides on many levels. I can't/don't know enough to say where it's at at the minute but I assure you, it's not that the Belles are anti-Rovers or want to be 'Independent at all costs' as you continue to state on here.

Who's to say that if Rovers did take on the Belles that they would want to pay for a Tier One license either? The FA have priced out many clubs, including the Belles at the moment. I'd rather the Belles were Tier Two and had a club than go for Tier One for a year and go out of business, which could happen if the Belles were part of Club Doncaster or not.

As for the double header idea dknward2 mentioned, logistically it wouldn't work as the posts would need to be changed and the lines sorting, changing rooms clearing etc etc. The Belles MUST kick off at 2pm on Sunday as per FA rules.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: RoversAlias on May 18, 2018, 03:23:46 am
Chris, graingrover is surely referring to Boomstick's ridiculous post criticising Gavin Baldwin, not yours.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: roversdude on May 18, 2018, 05:50:12 am
Again people jumping on an opportunity to have a dig at the club and GB in particular without knowing the facts
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: rtid88 on May 18, 2018, 06:32:41 am
That's just the blame culture that we live in unfortunately.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: DonnyOsmond on May 18, 2018, 07:00:39 am
Couldn't the Dons play at Castle Park like a couple times before.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: silent majority on May 18, 2018, 08:31:59 am
Couldn't the Dons play at Castle Park like a couple times before.

Not really.

As has been mentioned this whole episode has been caused by the FA, firstly giving the Belles permission to move the game to Saturday which allowed the Dons to confirm their Sunday fixture, and then changing their mind once this was done. It would be really difficult to unravel that once the Dons had confirmed their fixture.

And yet again, as I mentioned yesterday, certain individuals just love to find the club at fault for everything, even when it has nothing to do with them.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: VivaRovers on May 18, 2018, 10:50:08 am
Unfortunately those grounds don't meet the FA criteria with regards to FA WSL games. Its all down to certain facilities and also the level of the team that plays there (no, I don't know why this is the case either). Things like media facilities and number of available seats comes into it.

I note the FA's ruling on this continues to be as adhoc as ever, given that Fisher, Millwall Lionesses' home, currently play at the same level as Armthorpe and Rossington, and with less facilities.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: chrisd_123 on May 18, 2018, 10:56:08 am
Unfortunately those grounds don't meet the FA criteria with regards to FA WSL games. Its all down to certain facilities and also the level of the team that plays there (no, I don't know why this is the case either). Things like media facilities and number of available seats comes into it.

I note the FA's ruling on this continues to be as adhoc as ever, given that Fisher, Millwall Lionesses' home, currently play at the same level as Armthorpe and Rossington, and with less facilities.

I think you're assuming the FA actually know what they're doing though, Glen.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on May 18, 2018, 11:15:58 am
The Fa's approach is farcical. Turning the women's game in to a Franchise system.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: The Red Baron on May 18, 2018, 11:43:37 am
The Fa's approach is farcical. Turning the women's game in to a Franchise system.

I realise that the EPL and EFL are far from perfect and often deserve the criticism they get. However, having seen the total clusterf*** the FA has made of the domestic Women's game, I'd be happy to resist those who say the FA should have a bigger role in running football.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: silent majority on May 18, 2018, 12:14:01 pm
shambolic, well done Baldwin.

surely changing the kick off time for both games, would be the simplest solution that's sitting just beyond their nose end.

You really have a bee in your bonnet about him don't you? Despite the fact this has nothing to do with him and was screwed up by the FA changing their mind why the personal attack?
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: VivaRovers on May 18, 2018, 02:47:36 pm

I think you're assuming the FA actually know what they're doing though, Glen.

You know me well enough to know that'd be the very last conclusion I'm ever drawn to.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: dknward2 on May 20, 2018, 09:40:03 pm
Faye Lygo has stepped down as chairwoman and has issued a statement but I found this bit interesting

Doncaster Rovers Belles is a community interest company, which by law means that the club is for the benefit of the community and not for individual shareholders. 

I have been in discussions with Doncaster Rovers about the possibility of the Belles joining Club Doncaster and being integrated with the men’s club. The board of the Belles have concluded that this would be the best option going forward and would give the Belles the best chance of joining the top tier of Women’s Football. Discussions have been ongoing over the last 12 months and we hope for a positive response from Doncaster Rovers.

Anybody interested in Chairing the Belles for this next exciting period in the clubs history should email doncasterbelles@hotmail.com


Read more at http://www.doncasterroversbelles.co.uk/news/statement_faye_lygo_steps_down.html#MbaeHgiIrPPpFkPL.99

Hopefully a positive outcome which could help the belles become a leading name in women's football done the correct way as opposed to buying your way
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: RoversAlias on May 20, 2018, 09:52:54 pm
Sincerely hope it happens because the Belles deserve to be at the top table and if we can all help each other out and sing from the same hymn sheet so to speak it could be to the benefit of Rovers, Belles and Dons.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: eastender on May 20, 2018, 11:34:23 pm
Why did Neil Redfearn take the managers job with no prospect of progression to the 
top flight ?

Something in the pipeline perhaps,...almost a certainty. IMO
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: foxbat on May 21, 2018, 01:10:57 pm
I am no expert by any means , but I suspect this could be a very good move.
I hope so anyway , as the Belles have been treated atrociously by the FA ,
which is  appalling when you consider the history of their involvement in establishing
the Women's game in this Country.
I still dream of promotion to the first division and a sensational win against City Women
at the Etihad.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: Bristol Red Rover on May 21, 2018, 01:32:04 pm
Whilst I have loved that the Belles retained their independance from the men's club, it does seem that the only way onwards without a wealthy benefactor is to link up.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44195465 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44195465)

Quote
"Women's Super League Two champions Doncaster Rovers Belles are in talks about integrating with Doncaster Rovers men's football club, outgoing chair Faye Lygo says."

It's a shame the BBC saw it as integrating with Rovers and not Club Doncaster - I'm going to email them about that.

Being part of Club Doncaster rather than part of Doncaster Rovers is a positive way forwards. It'll be interesting to see how exactly this pans out.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on May 21, 2018, 06:42:57 pm
They are only quoting what she said. The main point she mentioned was the unfairness of not being promoted on merit and it being dependant on money in the bank.

It's a timely swipe at the FA and I hope they look at this again!
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: DonnyOsmond on May 21, 2018, 07:06:13 pm
They probably don't know what Club Doncaster is tbf.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: silent majority on May 21, 2018, 08:19:42 pm
They are only quoting what she said. The main point she mentioned was the unfairness of not being promoted on merit and it being dependant on money in the bank.

It's a timely swipe at the FA and I hope they look at this again!

They won't. The FA decided some considerable time ago that the women's game will follow the franchise model.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: Filo on May 21, 2018, 08:43:56 pm
They are only quoting what she said. The main point she mentioned was the unfairness of not being promoted on merit and it being dependant on money in the bank.

It's a timely swipe at the FA and I hope they look at this again!

They won't. The FA decided some considerable time ago that the women's game will follow the franchise model.

I'm sure if they thought they could get away with it in the mens game, they would have it in there by now
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: Michael Shaw on May 21, 2018, 09:01:53 pm
Personally, I just think incorporating the Belles into Club Doncaster makes sense, and being such a successful ladies squad would be good for the group. Obviously it is far more complicated logically and financially, but it's a move I would like to see happen even if only to promote Doncaster.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on May 21, 2018, 11:04:52 pm
They are only quoting what she said. The main point she mentioned was the unfairness of not being promoted on merit and it being dependant on money in the bank.

It's a timely swipe at the FA and I hope they look at this again!

They won't. The FA decided some considerable time ago that the women's game will follow the franchise model.

Yes I agree S_M. It will be mightily embarrassing if they got to a point where no team were able to take up their place in the top tier due to the financial requirement.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: PDX_Rover on May 22, 2018, 06:40:17 am
The franchise system makes an absolute mockery of the whole promotion and relegation element though doesn’t it... A team that wins the league by double digits and denied. It’s ethically filthy.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: Filo on May 22, 2018, 10:58:21 am
Personally, I just think incorporating the Belles into Club Doncaster makes sense, and being such a successful ladies squad would be good for the group. Obviously it is far more complicated logically and financially, but it's a move I would like to see happen even if only to promote Doncaster.

Not sure, but I think one of the reasons they were thrown out in the first place in favour of Man City was the fact they could n't have 2nd call on the use of the stadium because the Dons had that
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: RedJ on May 22, 2018, 11:00:02 am
One of the excuses is probably more accurate, they'd probably already decided it was happening and then found ways to justify it.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: Bristol Red Rover on May 22, 2018, 12:54:53 pm
They are only quoting what she said. ...

Selective quoting. A fuller quote can be seen on the Belles site where she referred to Club Doncaster.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: RoversAlias on May 22, 2018, 01:03:03 pm
All the same, "Club Doncaster" is not known to the national press but Doncaster Rovers are.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: VivaRovers on May 22, 2018, 02:34:01 pm
All the same, "Club Doncaster" is not known to the national press but Doncaster Rovers are.

Though a national media outlet should be expected to factcheck. As someone who writes/edits stuff for almost a living, if I saw references to Club Doncaster in a press release statement I wouldn't assume it was the same as Doncaster Rovers and so would check.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: RoversAlias on May 22, 2018, 02:40:09 pm
Once again though, I expect they probably did check but know that a headline of "Belles to align with Club Doncaster will likely only garner bemusement from readers whereas everyone knows who Doncaster Rovers are. I'm also a writer and I know how journalists suss out their headlines and leads for a story.

I just think it's a bit much criticising the wording of an article about this because it's easy to see why it's been written the way it has.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: Bristol Red Rover on May 22, 2018, 04:12:45 pm
After my email the BBC thought it was worth changing the wording. Some small things are important. Club Doncaster is on the map ;)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44195465 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44195465)

 :boxing:
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: VivaRovers on May 22, 2018, 04:26:20 pm
Once again though, I expect they probably did check but know that a headline of "Belles to align with Club Doncaster will likely only garner bemusement from readers whereas everyone knows who Doncaster Rovers are. I'm also a writer and I know how journalists suss out their headlines and leads for a story.

I just think it's a bit much criticising the wording of an article about this because it's easy to see why it's been written the way it has.

Yes, but the way it was originally written was factually wrong, so it's fair criticism.

I get what you're saying about manipulating the wording of titles to bring in traffic, but this approach has its limits, and shouldn't involve altering the basic facts of the story. Like you I can see why they've done it... but that doesn't mean it's acceptable.

Which is presumably why they've now updated it thanks to BRR's input.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: RoversAlias on May 22, 2018, 04:27:48 pm
Yes true, and since they've listened to BRR on his e-mail then fair enough, all is sorted with it.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: foxbat on May 22, 2018, 05:07:22 pm
Well done BRR . good to have it factually correct and better publicity for the
' Club Doncaster ' concept.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: danum on May 22, 2018, 06:13:16 pm
Personally, I just think incorporating the Belles into Club Doncaster makes sense, and being such a successful ladies squad would be good for the group. Obviously it is far more complicated logically and financially, but it's a move I would like to see happen even if only to promote Doncaster.

Not sure, but I think one of the reasons they were thrown out in the first place in favour of Man City was the fact they could n't have 2nd call on the use of the stadium because the Dons had that

And Lincoln City Ladies who became Notts County ladies were in the same boat, but escaped relegation. The following season because they only had 3rd choice at home fixtures, they failed to fulfil a fixture (what the Belles were relegated for)
Belles were relegated because it might happen
Notts County were fined £50 when it did .. its corrupt to the core 
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: drfchound on May 23, 2018, 09:11:19 am
Just out of curiosity, as someone who doesn’t follow women’s football very closely, I wonder how many fans of Lincoln ladies team followed them to Notts County?
Maybe families of the players would go but what about general supporters.
In the men’s game, how many Rovers fans would go and support the team if they were relocated to another town ?
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: RedJ on May 23, 2018, 09:43:21 am
How many Wimbledon fans followed them to Milton Keynes compared to who started going because the team moved there, I wonder, as they didn't have a professional team (or even a team I think) at that time.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: NickDRFC on May 23, 2018, 10:20:40 am
How many Wimbledon fans followed them to Milton Keynes compared to who started going because the team moved there, I wonder, as they didn't have a professional team (or even a team I think) at that time.

I have absolutely no evidence for this but I'd imagine that the number of Wimbledon fans who then became MK Dons fans is extremely low.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: RedJ on May 23, 2018, 10:47:55 am
Same, but I know they're out there as there's a bloke in a facebook group who still travels to MK for every home game. I suppose they don't really care about ripping a club away from its fans in women's football as there isn't anywhere near as much support for many of the teams as their male counterparts. Not my view but that's probably how they see it.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: Bristol Red Rover on May 23, 2018, 01:49:16 pm
I think the FA is being as fluid as it can get away with being to try and establish the best supported teams being in the top flight. Tinkering with relegation/promotion, leaving the option for a smaller team to move to a bigger city is al part of this. Making sure that only teams with money get to the top too.

It's not dissimilar from the men's game in the 19th/early 20th centuries where teams were elected. And even now, to progress up the pyramid, there's the conditions of having an adequate ground for promotion - which means money.

The danger is that real support, and real competition, and therefore good healthy sport get sacrificed. Also some teams will extend themselves too much for a shot at top flight football and so collapse, creating instability, the loss of a fan base.

Fingers crossed that all this settles down soon and a real promotion relegation pyramid prevails.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: Cantley Rover on May 23, 2018, 06:51:28 pm
I am amazed that the FA are actually starting Manchester Utd ladies in league 2. I thought they would have fast tracked then straight into league 1
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: godlike1 on May 23, 2018, 08:13:37 pm
Will be interesting how DF would cope with having Neil redfearn, poss competition for his job now within the same club. Could be interesting
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: DonnyOsmond on May 23, 2018, 10:26:02 pm
Will be interesting how DF would cope with having Neil redfearn, poss competition for his job now within the same club. Could be interesting

What? He's at Belles, if Club Doncaster takes over the Belles then Redfearn will still be at Belles. Rovers don't come in to it.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: Bristol Red Rover on May 25, 2018, 07:26:55 pm
I am amazed that the FA are actually starting Manchester Utd ladies in league 2. I thought they would have fast tracked then straight into league 1

That's really does top it all. I wish MUFC Ladies, and the FA every drop of apocalyptic misfortune the universe has to offer.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: Pancho Regan on May 25, 2018, 09:29:19 pm
Will be interesting how DF would cope with having Neil redfearn, poss competition for his job now within the same club. Could be interesting

I doubt it
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: Draytonian III on May 25, 2018, 10:17:13 pm
Why would Neil Redfearn become Rovers manager if DF left  ????
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: godlike1 on May 30, 2018, 06:21:58 am
Well everyone was keen on him before DF was appointed so I would be amazed if you don't drag his name up again. Geese you all have short memories
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: 5minstogo on May 30, 2018, 11:15:52 am
Well everyone was keen on him before DF was appointed so I would be amazed if you don't drag his name up again. Geese you all have short memories

Short memories but long necks.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: graingrover on May 30, 2018, 11:49:26 am
I agree the best solution would be to incorporate into Club Doncaster with two provisos. Firstly that they come with a clean profit and loss account so that any Club Doncaster investment is for future development and not for bailing out .Secondly they discuss and agree with Club Doncaster the new  appointment to Chair person . In the past cooperation with Rovers on community work has been difficult and if Belles cannot espouse Club Doncaster and Doncaster Foundation work wholeheartedly they can hardly expect a blind guarantee of 350,000 quid per season

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Title: Re: Belles
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on May 30, 2018, 12:27:25 pm
Read the latest article on BBC relating to the league structure and size of WSL1 being anywhere between 8 and 16 teams with the main qualification being financial for the licencing rather than on the pitch performance.

They have no chance of generating a better following on that basis. It seems destined to implode.
Title: Re: Belles
Post by: The Red Baron on May 30, 2018, 07:18:44 pm
Strikes me that the FA have totally lost sight of what they are trying to achieve.

I can see the need to have more women in this country playing as full time professional footballers if they want to improve the standard of the national team. However to create an overblown and ultimately unsustainable professional league doesn't seem to be the way to do that.

They should do what England Cricket has done. Put the top 15-20 female players on central contracts and allocate them to the top clubs. The club game should be a League system with promotion and relegation on merit, and players who emerge through that should be offered central contracts.

Ironic really that the England and Wales Cricket Board, which has won plaudits for what it has done with the women's game, is making such a total mess of the men's!