Getting better all the time

It's about to get very busy. This week has brought responses from Everton, Yeovil and West Ham. Everton and Yeovil confirming entry to the stadium along with donations to boot, whilst the Hammers are trying to sort out a signed pennant and have advised us to speak with security on the day we arrive with regards to entry. All very friendly and helpful!

Things are going to start picking up again next week though. I've got 22 clubs to confirm details of our visits with although most of them simply want to know that we're still coming so they can make the necessary arrangement to accompany us when we arrive.

I've been asked in recent weeks about the grounds i'm looking forward to visiting most. It's a difficult question and one that i've probably answered differently every time. And I've certainly shocked a few with my replies.. Accrington, Bradford, Cardiff and Doncaster to name just a few. I've been to a lot of the bigger grounds and some have put me off by the incredible lack of customer service and support. That said, I've been to Old Trafford on many occasions but they've been incredibly helpful and the stadium manager is going to meet us on the day and take us round. It's acts of kindness like that, which will make the trip into the once in a lifetime journey it's going to be.

With so much to look forward to , I know it's going to fly by. Fortunately, i've got enough sd cards for my camera to take 7000 photos. Should be enough...

Another loss for The Gills...

As I said in my last blog, things are a little quiet at the moment with regards the tour. I've contacted West Ham United today regarding a donation and i'm waiting to hear back from them. They asked me to get in touch with them 2 weeks before the tour to see if they're able to help. Here's hoping they are. They've certainly been more helpful thus far than any of the other Premier League London sides we're visiting that weekend. Tottenham are closed, Arsenal simply refused to help and were unfortunately very poor throughout communication, Chelsea cant help and Fulham simply haven't replied. Saying that, the Arsenal response has to be the best. Unable to help because they only support one charity a year. This year they're supporting Great Ormond Street.... The same charity we're collecting for.

Away from the tour, Gillingham slumped to a 3rd straight defeat at home to Hartlepool at the weekend. A poor performance has led to a few rumbles of criticism... I won't add my voice to the doubters yet. Stimson's done a good job in charge of the Gills and I expect Priestfield to become a difficult place for teams to visit again before long. That said, we're in 20th position at the moment. And i'll settle for that come May.

Quiet week

A bit of a lull really on the football tour front. I've chased every club and got responses from most already so i'm just waiting now to start confirming all the details for our visits closer to the off date. For now i'm just going over all the arrangements and double checking. The route, hotel bookings, hire car arrangements, contacts, bags and suit cases, maps and directions and interviews with local newspapers and radio stations...... to name a few.

I was blissfully un-aware of the effort and time that goes into making a trip like this possible. Especially in the way we're choosing to do it. I've no doubt that if we weren't doing it for charity and weren't interested in gaining access into any of the stadiums, we'd have everything prepared already. Car, hotels and the route. That'd be it basically. Easy. But that just wouldn't be as fun as doing it like this and so with the extra fun, comes a lot of extra work. I cant say I haven't enjoyed it though, because I have. Everything is made entirely worthwhile when you get a few responses granting every wish we've asked for in our letter. The occasional rejection or rude reply/blanket response is thoroughly frustrating but it comes with the territory and isn't to be un-expected. I've named and shamed a few clubs for their poor responses and lack of customer service, possibly wrongly, but sometimes they need to get some bad press. Hopefully then, it might hit home a little more that they need to treat fans a certain way. And not just palm them off.

The more work we've put in, the more we've got out. The tour is going to be very long and probably very stressful at times but the bonuses that we're going to get along the way are huge. So far 58 teams have allowed us access to the ground, 3 have donated signed balls, 5 have given us free match tickets, 1 has donated a signed shirt, 1 has given a signed photo and 4 have confirmed signed pennants. Also, 3 others are 'possibles' for donating something. Providing those 3 do, that'll be 75 of the 92 teams, either granting access inside the stadium or donating towards the cause.

That's an incredible tally really. I've worked hard to get those responses but still couldn't have expected to have recieved so many positive ones. It makes the poorer replies stand out like sore thumbs.

13 to go...

Just 13 clubs still to hear from. And of those 13, only 5 are possibles for ground entry.

We've now heard back from all 20 Premier League teams with the exception of one. The London based team will be chased up in the next few days and although the early morning visit would restrict any chance of ground entry, there may be a possible donation available.

Blackburn responded yesterday allowing us access to Ewood Park despite the fact that we'll be arriving after office hours. We've been given the number for the security team who'll come and let us in. A great effort when you take into account the teams that have said no to access, even during working hours..

Sunderland, were unable to grant access during the day, which is actually a real shame. It's one of the grounds i've been really looking forward to visiting for a long time. I'm hopeful that on the day they may take pity and let us in for a very quick photo. They did make up for it however, by sending along with the letter, a photograph of the Stadium of Light autographed by Niall Quinn. Another item to help with the fundraising.

I'm sure i've written this a hundred times already but it just seems to be getting closer and closer so quickly. Hope it doesn't go as fast once the tour begins!

09/10 Predictions

Ok, I'll start with the Prem and work my way down.

Premier League
Winners - Chelsea
I like the fact that they've not chopped and changed their squad. I think the togetherness will show through and eventually take the title back to Stamford Bridge. The only problem I can foresee is the attitude of a few of the bigger players. Ballack and Drogba to name just 2. If Ancelotti can keep them from arguing between themselves as to who's turn it is to take a free kick I expect them to be lifting more silverware than the Community Shield come May.

Runners-Up - Man Utd
I doubt they'll be far behind by the end. They never are. The signing of Michael Owen is a very shrewd move on Alex Ferguson's behalf and the partnership down the flanks of Valencia and Nani could be vital in filling the void that Ronaldo's departure has left. Rooney undoubtedly has to have a good season as does Berbatov. It'll be interesting to see how many games the Bulgarian plays this time out.

Relegation - Burnley, Portsmouth and Hull City
It can only be good for the game to see teams like Hull promoted from the Championship and then romping their way into 3rd position in the Premier League after 10 games. The capitulation that followed almost produced one of the most surprising relegations of all time, eventually saved on the final day by another hugely suprising relegation in the form of Newcastle United. However, that final run of form is what leads me to believe that their stay of execution was just for the 1 season.
Burnley made a lot of people's season's when they beat Sheffield United in the play off final to win promotion last year. They fully deserved it however after a season that included 2 great cup runs and victories over Middlesbrough, Arsenal and Tottenham. Lest we forget, they were also just 2 minutes away from appearing against Manchester United in the Carling Cup final. Unfortunately, I just dont think they're going to be strong enough to stay up. That said, their fans will have a season to remember.
Portsmouth have done nothing but sell this summer. And throughout last season come to think of it! No club can afford to lose the likes of Lassanna Diarra, Jermaine Defoe, Glen Johnson and Peter Crouch and not suffer after effects. They need to dig deep in the coming days if they're to avoid what could be a torrid season for the Pompey faithful.

Championship
Winner - Newcastle United
A lot of arguing has ensued through talk of this subject. The Toon have sold a lot of players in order to slash the wage bill and prepare for life as a 2nd flight outfit but I think this might just be a kick in the right direction. There's no doubt that Newcastle aren't a Championship side. They lacked the stability to stay up last year and off field antics played a big part in taking them down, but as an overall club, they're too big for this league. The fan base is huge for this level and the sheer size of the stadium will cause some teams to freeze. Intimidation could win them a few vital games and help take them back to the big leagues.

Runners-Up - West Brom
Boring I know. I just found it difficult to look anywhere other than the team that yo-yo's between the 2 divisions. They're a very strong squad, good enough to get out of the Championship but without a serious injection of cash, probably not good enough to stay up once they get there. Another strong fan base though which can only act as a help in the right direction this season.

Play Off Winners - Derby County
Now, I appreciate a lot of people will see this as a strange choice but i have a good feeling about the Rams this season. Nigel Clough is a fantastic young manager with the right attitude to take the club forward. I expect a strong season culminating in Wembley Success.

Relegation - Scunthorpe, Blackpool and Barnsley
All 3 teams may manage to escape but it's difficult to see who they're going to finish above. I expect Swansea and Peterborough to be very strong having just been promoted from League One and with very few so called 'small teams' in the division this year, I fear for these three.

League One
Winners - Leeds United
They were favourites for promotion last season and fell at the play-off semi final hurdle. Despite losing Fabian Delph to Aston Villa in the summer, I dont envisage them making the same mistakes again. If they can hold onto Jermaine Beckford I see no reason why they wont win the league with some style.

Runners-Up - Charlton Athletic
A tough year brought the Addicks down to earth with a bump but I expect to see them bounce straight back up. They have plenty of talented youngsters and some experienced campaigners to boot giving them, in my mind, a good blend and a good chance of pushing Leeds for the title.

Play Off Winners - Southampton
Sticking my neck out here. Bookmakers say that Southampton are 10-1 for promotion and 22-1 to win the league. Whilst I dont see them battling for top spot I could see them sneaking 5th or 6th place and winning the play offs. Once again, fan base is a huge factor and with youth on their side, that 10 point deduction could soon be a distant memory.

Relegation - Swindon, Brighton, Exeter and Stockport
There's a fair few teams that will struggle to break away from the bottom bunch this year. Gillingham and Colchester have both had fantastic opening day wins but could easily find themselves in the mhyre at some point. Of the four choices above, Exeter City are the main team i'm not sure about. They've only got a small stadium with a small but loyal set of fans. That said, they have a good side and could easily finish the season in the top half, but on the flipside, they could easily start poorly and continue to struggle throughout. Swindon have sold good players and not replaced whilst Brighton and Stockport are bookies favourites for the drop.

League Two
Winners - Notts County
No one can ignore the transformation that's starting to take place at Meadow Lane. Sven Goran Eriksson joining the backroom staff and the immediate influx of players including Lee Hughes and Luke Rodgers shows that the club as a whole are going places. I dont expect County to lose many games this season and think its going to be the place to watch football in the lower leagues throughout the coming season.

Runners-Up - Lincoln City
The Imps have consistently pushed for promotion over the last few seasons and I see this as being a good year for them to make their move. They have a good set of players and a strong minded manager along with some of the most passionate fans in the division.

Promotion - Bradford City
A sleeping giant in a division they really should be above. Relegation from the premiership just 8 years ago destroyed the club and it really has taken a total overhaul from players to backroom staff to set the wheels rolling in the right direction again. I anticipate them having a good year and getting the promotion the club desires.

Play Off Winners - Burton Albion
Another neck pusher. Burton gained promotion to the football league last season by just 2 points on the final day having at one point had a lead of no fewer than 16. They've also started this season poorly with a 3-1 defeat at Shrewsbury but they have a new manager and a good young team with a new stadium. They're going places and I foresee a good season ahead.

Relegation - Barnet and Macclesfield
Both sides have flirted with the conference on numerous occasions and neither, to me, possess enough quality to edge away from the depths this year. I dont expect either to escape but if they do, you can bet it'll be by the skin of their teeth on the final day.

Exciting times..

The last time Gillingham won their opening game of the season 5-0 they went on to finish in their highest ever league position. A very creditable 11th in the old Division One (now the Championship). I expect this to be a very tough season however. League One possesses a large number of quality teams including, Leeds, Charlton and MK Dons along with some very good young outfits like Leyton Orient and Southend. Add to that, Colchester beating 2nd favourites for the title Norwich 7-1 and you begin to think that survival and possibly mid table would be a very positive and acceptable finish to our first season back in this division.

Overall, i'm just glad the football seasons back. There's nothing quite like it.

Money and Mails

First of all I have to say thank you to everyone that's helped towards the fundraising side of things. Online donations have now reached £130 but sponsorship sheets have topped £250 on their own. Very impressive and very grateful to everyone for helping towards the cause. It is much appreciated!

West Ham's response granting us access to the stadium for photos leaves just 2 Premier League teams left to be heard from. The lady at WHU was more than happy to help and asked me to phone 2 weeks before we set off as they may be able to sort out some sort of signed memorabilia.
Crystal Palace was very much the same. They're not able to give access to the stadium because we visit them on a Sunday but have asked us to phone the week before to see if any signed merchandise is available to us.

Also, as part of the journey we're planning on doing the tour of St James' Park, home of Newcastle United. I spoke with a guy called Chris in the Tour box office today who's passed all our information onto the best department to deal with our request. Hopefully we'll get some good feedback.

A big reply

A response this morning from the stadium manager at Manchester United confirmed we're allowed access to have photo's taken inside the stadium. Although some of the bigger teams have been good to us, United are the only "top 4" team that have been willing and able to assist. Liverpool said that weekends are problems and for that reason are unable to help but Chelsea and Arsenal were just poor. Plain and simple. Not a good example to set.

I've since found out that Arsenal support one main charity every year and this was an excuse used at to why they were unable to help us. However, the charity they're raising for this season is Great Ormond Street! The same charity we're collecting for... Incredible.

Still no luck from any of the other teams though. I've now got phone numbers and contacts for most of the left over teams though and during the next week or so i'll start calling them to see if we can arrange anything.

I've been reading a lot of websites, going through experiences of people that have either done the tour or just visited a lot of grounds in the past. Some helpful, some not. But it has struck me, just how different one persons experience of a club can be to another. An example i'll use is my home town club, Southend United. 2 of the reviews talk about the poor quality of the stadium and over zealous security once inside, whilst another praises from start to finish. It really is just people's opinions and i'm sure i'll give a few that others wont agree with.

With Thanks...

Recieved the signed shirt as promised from Leyton Orient at the weekend. As you can see from the photo, it's a tremendous piece of memorabilia and should help to raise a fair bit for charity.
Very grateful to L. Orient. They've been fantastic to us!

Still waiting for...

I've been impressed with the amount of responses we've actually recieved through email. From the 92 letters we sent out we've had just 17 come back. Compare that to the 80 odd emails I sent, where we're now just waiting to hear from 15 teams. And only 9 of those are possibles for going and having our photo taken inside due to the time factor.

Of the teams we're yet to hear anything from, there are 3 Premier League, 4 Championship, 4 League One and 4 League Two outfits. Quite an even split. But when you actually think about it, why haven't we heard anything from these teams? One of the premier league sides are a very good mid table team with a large fan base. They should be responding to letters and emails. To give credit to them, their football in the community officer has been helping me to try and get an answer out of them for a good month or so now but still nothing.

Just waiting and seeing must be the order of the day. There's a month and 2 days to go. Plenty of time.

Quick stops

Portsmouth and Leeds have both sent letters of rejection. Portsmouth was a simple blanket response that only mentions the donation side of things and Leeds was just confirming the 'no' that they gave me via email last week. It's a shame Pompey have been as poor as they have. I've not been to Fratton Park before but the lack of customer service and ability to reply to the many, many emails i've sent to different people in different departments, has left me feeling that I'm really not overly bothered.

Bristol City sent a letter that arrived on Friday. Very friendly and helpful and even agreeing for us to gain access to the ground despite the fact we'll be at Ashton Gate pre 8am. Plymouth have allowed access as have Carlisle and QPR, whilst Aston Villa have given us entry to the stadium and the offer of free tickets to the reserve team game they have at Villa Park the evening we're there.
Millwall are donating a signed pennant and if feasibly possible on the day will allow access to the ground for photos.

Over the weekend, my Dad and I sorted the car hire out. We'd been debating the best company to go with for a long time and had all but decided to plump for a half hearted effort from Europcar. They'd delayed and delayed making us an offer and eventually gave us a quote that was higher than the original on line quote. However, it was still slightly cheaper than we'd found anywhere else. Until, AVIS emailed us saying that they'd love to help and were willing to do anything they could to help. They beat the initial quotes from other companies but, in some cases, £100-£150! Their service and the friendliness of the manager (I only know him as Chris) simply blew the others out of the water. We're very grateful for the help they've given us!