MOBILE APP EYES PITMEN TAKEOVER
up for sale. They admitted yesterday that they were in negotiations with two separate consortiums but did not confirm their identities.
In a move which will be a modern-day upgrade to website MyFootballClub’s takeover of Ebbsfleet in 2008, the takeover would see the 2,500+ OWNAFC members – each having paid £49 for the privilege – decide on all boardroom matters, from signings, selecting the squad and the hiring and firing of staff.
Talking to BBC Sport, Harvey explained: “This is all about people with a dream of owning a football club. To turn football on its head and take it back to the people.
“This is a live, real-time boardroom in their hands. It's the ultimate experience of a being chairman with a big board of directors each day dealing with monumental decisions of running a club.”
A club statement, released on Friday, read: “Hednesford Town Football Club would like to confirm that they are in takeover talks with two interested parties which has been previously advised.
“The club is unable to offer any more comment due to Non-Disclosure Agreement’s in place, but will look to make a statement on Wednesday (March 6) next week.”
GEORGE Barker’s sweet strike from inside his own half for Hendon against Gosport, Robert Briggs’ brilliant volley from long range to score for South Shields and a touch of class from Bromley midfielder Luke Coulson – the goal of the season competition stepped up a gear last weekend.
All three, as happens nowadays, spread like wildfire across social media with people watching, re-watching and commenting.
For all of its drawbacks, platforms like twitter have undeniably had a huge impact on raising the profile of the Non-League game and the clubs. The players too – the fact so much more is accessible at the click of a few buttons, can only help those with ambitions to move up.
Without doubt, video clips on social media have helped players get moves. Not solely for that reason, but if you’re a scout and trying to steal a march on the competition, it’s a great medium to scour for hidden talent. See potential and then check them out.
The traditional word of mouth and trust of eye will still be heavily relied upon, along with the scouting sites that have hours of footage, but even scrolling through your phone can unearth someone.
It can also help with background research. Clubs now have direct access to a potential signing’s life. What do they post about – football or a night out? How do they interact with friends, what are their views on the world? It’s all a melting pot.
Twitter, Instagram and the rest weren’t created as scouting tools. But you can bet they’re used as them.