In recent weeks the Sutton Guardian has featured the controversy about the pitch proposals at Colston Avenue, including the views of several supporters who were subsequently accused by the Club owner of ignorance and a self-serving attitude.
A statement by the Club then claimed that there would be consultations with fans, members and volunteers in the coming weeks.
The reality of the situation is that the Club were invited to send a representative to a recent meeting of the Independent Supporters Club to explain the proposals and to address the concerns of supporters, but the invitation was neither accepted or even replied to.
What is known to have taken place is an invitation-only meeting of a selected group of supporters followed by a dubious letter of support claiming to be on behalf of the Club’s Vice Presidents.
The VPs contacted by the ISC seem to know nothing of this letter.
In the absence of any meaningful consultation the view of the ISC, which is an open to all, properly constituted and democratic group representing the majority of regular first team supporters, is that the case for an all-weather pitch at Colston Avenue is far from proven.
The state of the existing pitch in the opinion of most supporters has deteriorated in recent seasons, negating any claims that it is being properly maintained at considerable cost.
The days when the pitch was regularly looked after by a proper groundsperson are long gone. The suggestion that an artificial all-weather pitch is actually more eco-friendly and maintenance free than a natural surface are also questionable.
If these arguments had been proved you could bet that there would have been a rush to install them at every level of the game. We may of course be wrong, but if Mr Dipre refuses to have an open discussion we are not going to know.
What is beyond doubt, however, is that a 3G pitch can be put to much more intensive use and can generate a steady income stream as a result of lettings to other Clubs and organisations.
Where this additional income would end up has not been made clear, although Mr Dipre is on record as saying that it would not be used to improve the Club’s senior side which continues to struggle in the Ryman Premier League with a player budget that is a fraction of what was available during the owner's unfortunate spell as self-appointed first team manager.
CAISC is not, as the owner likes to portray, an anti-Dipre pressure group and we recognise the Club’s good work to promote the “community” aspects of the game, but sadly Mr Dipre’s tactics are to try to portray his critics, and there are many, as trouble makers and his obsession is to denigrate their views using intimidation, smears and half-truths.
A little bit of honesty and dialogue could be far more beneficial in the short and long-term interests of this friendly local Club.
At the moment there are too many questions and too few plausible answers.
Peter Randall; Carshalton Athletic Independent Supporters Club Secretary
- Do you agree? Disagree? Send your letter to letters@suttonguardian.co.uk.
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