Deciding careers and lives through a vote, this internet-purchased club — nicknamed after a train station — dictates who will perform.
In February 2008, a groundbreaking event took place as MyFootballClub, an online community with over 28,250 subscribers, completed the takeover of Ebbsfleet United. The Kent-based club, previously known as Gravesend & Northfleet, was about to embark on a new chapter in its history.
Prior to the takeover, Ebbsfleet United was a Conference outfit that had never ventured beyond the fifth tier of English football. However, under the leadership of Liam Daish, who had been Fleet manager since 2005, the team made history by reaching the FA Trophy final after beating Aldershot in the semi-final. The new name of Ebbsfleet United was given to align with the opening of nearby Ebbsfleet International, a Eurostar station in Kent.
The FA Trophy win did not lead to long-term financial stability for Ebbsfleet United. A revolving door of MyFootballClub members often led to chaotic scenes at board level. Creditors from the previous regime had to be paid off, causing financial strain. As a result, many members decided not to renew their annual subscription due to lack of control.
By the end of the 2012-13 campaign, there were only 1,300 members left. The remaining members voted to sell their shares to Kuwaiti investors to prevent the club from going to the wall. Ebbsfleet United suffered relegation from the Conference at the end of the 2009-10 season and have since bounced around between the National League and National League South.
Will Brooks, the founder of MyFootballClub, led a £625,000 deal to buy a 75 per cent stake in Ebbsfleet United. After the takeover, a new board made up of online members was elected. Brooks, however, headed up another subscription-based investment group, FC100,000, which reached an agreement to buy Scunthorpe United, but the deal was later cancelled due to backlash from the Iron's supporters.
One of the most memorable moments during MyFootballClub's ownership came in the Wembley final against Torquay. Chris McPhee scored the goal on the stroke of half-time that sealed victory for Ebbsfleet United. Despite this triumph, replacing on-field departures with recruits of similar quality proved difficult, and the club struggled financially.
Ebbsfleet United's journey under the ownership of MyFootballClub serves as a testament to the challenges faced when a community-owned club attempts to compete at a higher level. Despite the rollercoaster ride, the club's spirit and resilience continue to be evident as they strive for success in the lower leagues of English football.
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