The Albion, Rebels and council fees

And, for the first time in four visits, the Albion came home with something, albeit a solitary point, but nothing like the three previous defeats.

My first visit, in 1992, was not with the Albion, but with Worthing for a FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie when the Robins were in the Southern League.

Yet, 15 years on, they find themselves in the Albion's division, with the prospect of the visit of three-time football league champions Leeds United next season.

Which begs the question: if Cheltenham can do it, why not Worthing?

Last week, I touched on the possibility of Worthing leaving Woodside Road for a new stadium on the outskirts of the town.

It's nothing more than speculation but, with the right backing from reputable developers and the council, who knows?

As I understand it, a senior member, and former mayor, of the council favours new housing on both the Teville Gate and Woodside Road sites with the multiplex cinema being housed with the new football ground on the northerly borders of Goring.

Pie in the sky? Only time will tell, but Worthing's immediate priority is to restore the club's footballing credibility.

Former manager and all-time Albion legend, Micky Adams, was forever coming up with little sayings. At times, I think he could have given Confucius a run for his money.

One of his favourites, usually administered after one of his charges had been sent off, was: "He who never fell, never climbed." I recall him using that one more than once about ex-Rebel, Darren Freeman.

The phrase is quite apt for Worthing. Yes, they have got relegated, to one rung above Division One of the County League, but they are in good company.

It wasn't that long ago that Dover were in the Conference, and Kingstonian played in the top flight of the non-league pyramid and won the FA Trophy at Wembley less then 10 years ago.

But perhaps the chance to re-group in the lower league, add a couple of experienced heads to the excellent crop of youngsters they have at the club, and who knows what's possible?

An important piece of the jigsaw is the excellent support that the Rebels have. They must not desert the team and, in turn, and in time, they will be rewarded with success on the pitch.

Picture the scene. Sunday afternoon in the Premiership, with 10 minutes left, champions Man United lead West Ham three goals to nil, while over at Bramall Lane, Sheffield United are drawing 0-0 with Wigan.

If the scores stay the same, Wigan will be relegated. But if Wigan win 1-0, they and United would be safe at the Hammers' expense.

So, if the scenario evolves, what price a late Wigan winner?

The whole of East London would cry foul but just how anyone could prove such a conspiracy took place is highly debatable. Even for the neutrals, a fascinating afternoon's entertainment is in prospect.

I had the pleasure of attending the recent Worthing Town FC presentation evening at the Assembly Hall with the Albion's Kerry Mayo.

It was great night for more than 250 players and their families. It was a celebration of achievements and also of basically good kids in our town behaving themselves and getting enjoyment and exercise from sport.

Yet Worthing borough council chose to charge the club almost 500 to hire the hall.

Surely, for a function like this and for all the good work that all the football clubs in this town do, would it not be in order for the council to charge just a nominal fee to cover staff wages and heating and lighting, leaving the clubs to use their all-important funds on the youngsters?

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