Chairman of Sheffield FC: We have over 100 members from the country of Greece
Christos Kazantzoglou talk with the chairman of the World's First Football club Richard Timms Sheffield FC. The club was founded in 1857, before the Football Association (1863) and the FA Cup (1871).
Christos Kazantzoglou: Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you came to be the chairman in the team and what it's like to be the chairman of the oldest football club.
Richard Timms: I was born and bred in Sheffield and my boyhood football team is Sheffield Wednesday. When I left school I became a printer and then moved into marketing. At that time I was approached to become a sponsor of The Club, as The Club was very poor and didn't have a stadium, so I decided to help out and get involved...never expecting to be Chairman of The World's First Football Club. Of course, the title of Chairman of this historic institution is a great honour and privilege.
Christos Kazantzoglou: Why was the team never able to reach the professional divisions or even the National League (level 5-6)? What was the reason?
Richard Timms: Our football club was formed by people wanting to play sport for fitness, health and community and not for money. When the game went professional in the 1870s/1880s we were somewhat left behind because our founding fathers wanted to stay amateur and play for the love of the game.
Christos Kazantzoglou: I recently read about your partnership with the Sheffield Eagles city rugby team and the relocation to the future new stadium, is this thought to help the team level up even to the professional ranks?
Richard Timms: Our new stadium will accommodate football and rugby, this of course increases the revenues of the stadium and therefore may give us an opportunity to progress up the leagues.
Christos Kazantzoglou: How are the team's relations with the other two big football teams of the city, Wednesday and United?
Richard Timms: Our relationships with our sister clubs (Wednesday and United) are okay and I think the pressure of Premier League and Championship football doesn't allow them the time to be interested so much in clubs like ourselves.
Christos Kazantzoglou: How many members from Greece do you have, except me of course?
Richard Timms: We have over 100 members from the country of Greece.
Christos Kazantzoglou: Is this membership model considered the best? Because you used to have a simpler membership registration model. Have you considered a lifetime package?
Richard Timms: Our membership package seems to be working, giving people the opportunity to join at different levels and I think a lifetime membership package is something we will consider soon.
Christos Kazantzoglou: Have you considered participating in the Fenix Trophy? The Champions League of semi-professional and amateur teams? Have you been offered?
Richard Timms: We were offered to play in this year's Fenix Trophy but the timing wasn't right, but we always look at opportunities to showcase The World's First Football Club around the world.
Christos Kazantzoglou: Do you have any plans to do a tour in Greece to find the oldest football team for the Club of Pioneers? Although I think it is Panionios GSS.
Richard Timms: We would love the opportunity to talk to the oldest football club in Greece and of course visit your beautiful country.
Christos Kazantzoglou: Last question, what would you say to your Greek friends? Thank you very much.
Richard Timms: Let's continue to share our love of the beautiful game forever. LOVE FOOTBALL, LOVE SHEFFIELD FC. Yamas!