[maccawozzagod]

I might try to make the first half, Gaz.

We know all too well the effec that losing the town team can have on a town and should do what we can to help (remember the amazing gratitude that Bury and its fans have for what we did for them a few years back)

The problem though is that the town does not seem to want to back the club, which is maybe understandable due to its lowly position. How can a club of such low standing be able to rack up debts like it did? Was it Mr Ward who launched the massive radio campaign advocating the use of its bars? those adverts aren't cheap and they ran for weeks!

All football clubs (that are the main or only 'real' club in a town) have a duty to embrace the local community and ensure that they reach way beyond matchdays. Potential sponsors aren't there just to be seen by whatever crowd turns up - they want to be seen to be associated with a major enterprise. It's not just willy waving to rival companies that they can afford the advertising board, it's about being part of something that gives back in whatever ways it can, something that encompasses the spirit of a community. Maybe lessons can be learnt all round?

A successful club doesn't necessarily win matches every week and challenge at the top. A successful club has the respect of its' constituents, it has people clamouring to be involved whether its sponsoring matches, paying through the turnstile, booking functions in the bars, entering their lotteries, sending their 'other club' supporting children onto their football courses. When all you can do is put money into a club through the turnstile then you have to more of a proper interest in the club to do that, but some people will always book the same venue for family do's (Enfield - why?). When your club is the first off the lips of local people then you can assume yourselves relativley successfull.

Darwen in reality are never gonna challenge Rovers for the loyalties of local football fans (hell, they can't even challenge Stanley for a handful of Darreners) so maybe they should appeal more to be the second club - watch us when Rovers are away, Supporters group meetings held at the Anchor, Darwen pick up for away coaches etc etc. We want to double our crowds but that means hundreds of new fans, Darwen should in rality be able to appeal to the 'tens' of new fans.