UCL Division One...

[BartonRaz]

Dare I suggest an appeal, Chester style? Or are we happy to accept the decision?

I ask because presumably this avenue is open to us?

[bedforddiamond]

Barton be happy with your lot! Who would have thought 12 months ago there would even be a AFCRD?

Talking about us and saying "we should be in the Prem" will only wind everyone else in the Division up. Be happy with UCL 1 football it will be a good learning curve and good fun! Then when/if we win the league promotion will be even more satisfying!

[TheIncognitoKid]

Most away games are within a close travelling distance, apart from Bourne Town, which takes about an hour and a half. Looking forward to this and will be strange seeing Diamonds at Burton Park where i used to go when not travelling to Diamonds away games!

[BartonRaz]

I haven't once said we should be in the Prem. Well I may have done but not lately. ;).

I'm just intrigued as to how they've reached that decision after setting a precedent with King's Lynn.

There seems to be an acceptance amongst everyone on here which surprises me.

I'm pretty sure im saying what some others are thinking, plus, its been a while since I've said something controversial so im overdue.

[Bob's Bitch]

I agree with BR, I was annoyed to see we were put in UCL 1 if I'm being honest. Just because 5 promotions sounds like a f*ck of a long way away from the Conference and because we'll be getting at least 400 at all of our home games, which is far more than some of the clubs in the Premier Division. I know fans don't win leagues, but fans should sort of dictate where clubs are allocated, just because it provides a more level playing field. Still now that we're going to be in an easier league I'm going to be starting my talk of 'pissing that tinpot pub league' with much bravado.

[BartonRaz]

Knew I could count on you Rob. ;)

[Everyweeker]

I think many of us are disappointed to be in Division One, despite a good case for the Premier given other similar situations in the past BUT:

1) It has been pretty clear for a while that in all likelihood we would be placed in Division One

2) We do not want to, in serious and non-joking terms, take on the role of Kings Lynn fans who did not cover themselves in glory at all times.

It is a long way to the Conference, but I don't think one season in the grand scheme of things makes a huge difference when being in the Conference (as things currently are) is a pipe dream. I'm just overjoyed and thankful to have a club at all.

[oliv272]

At least this will give our future first team a chance to glue together, it will take a while for them to really gel and being in the UCL Div 1 will help them. Then hopefully we will get promoted in the first season and will be ready to face the challenges of the Prem, as far as I see it, it gives us a chance to get more titles under the belt and give the players the time they will need to settle.

[Olly]

Most away games are within a close travelling distance, apart from Bourne Town, which takes about an hour and a half. Looking forward to this and will be strange seeing Diamonds at Burton Park where i used to go when not travelling to Diamonds away games!

An hour and half for an away game?!! Ridiculous ;)

I am looking forward to the fact that due to living up near Oundle, there will actually be a few away games closer to me than home games are! And I see what you're saying BR and SP, obviously our ultimate dream as a phoenix club is to get back to where we were before and being 5 promotions away, that will probably take at least a decade if we ever do get back there. Its slightly disheartening to be so far away I must admit and we really are at the depths of the pyramid at level 10 (no offence to any level 10 clubs), but at the end of the day we're lucky to have anything really considering the position we were in a year ago, its going to be a great journey and I can say with 100% certainty I'd rather be an AFC R&D supporter right now than a supporter of that other local team, we have a very exciting era ahead of us

Oh and does anyone know when the fixtures are out?

[corby diamond]

Dare I suggest an appeal, Chester style? Or are we happy to accept the decision?

I ask because presumably this avenue is open to us?

I agree with BR, I was annoyed to see we were put in UCL 1 if I'm being honest. Just because 5 promotions sounds like a f*ck of a long way away from the Conference and because we'll be getting at least 400 at all of our home games, which is far more than some of the clubs in the Premier Division. I know fans don't win leagues, but fans should sort of dictate where clubs are allocated, just because it provides a more level playing field. Still now that we're going to be in an easier league I'm going to be starting my talk of 'pissing that tinpot pub league' with much bravado.

To be honest with both of BartonRaz and SP I couldnt disagree more...Starting out as a phoenix club, why should we start in the premier? Its all about respect for our club and not getting a bad name and ahead of ourselves before the campaign has started. I think division 1 is the perfect start...

I love there is an acceptance on the forum and not there is such a divide, it will give the team time to gel...

There is so much optimism on this forum and thinking of promotion charges when the team aint even kicked a ball is a bit strong. Am I the only one in thinking that the UCL is going to be a gritty and frustrating league to get out of?

I really do believe that no matter how many fans are at a game, the money involved and the name of the club, will not win matches. People need to remember that being a phoenix club is about getting time to gel, to come together as a team first and foremost. Maybe with the cup competitions I can believe AFC R&D can maybe get to the later stages (A final in the first season I can only dream ) but with the league in the first maybe second season, as with the under 18's then I believe 5th and above would be a major achievement!!

This post no way near getting at anyone, slagging the club/team off but merely expressing an opinion. If there was a promotion charge i'd be all for it