The club ’ s iconic posters have become a cult hit
its soul . In contrast he said the typical German fan “ wants to have the feeling it is my club , not the club of Qatar or Abu Dhabi .” Watke listed season tickets that work out € 11 a match and a family-like connection to the club as two benefits of fan ownership . All of which sounds suspiciously like something English supporters want .
When I ask if the English model is broken Dobres replies “ If you ’ re in the top half of the Premier League the sugar daddy model works fine , because you can attract a rich owner . But I don ’ t think it works elsewhere .”
Dobres is keen to talk about how being owned by fans has changed the club ’ s relationship with the town . “ Community is a difficult word because it conjures up images of open toe sandals and stuff like that . But I think it ’ s more hardcore , it ’ s about the local economy and the culture . We ’ re really , really trying to play a part in the local economy with things like our Support & Save scheme .”
Everyone who buys a share in Lewes FC gets discounts at local businesses through a Support & Save card . The website lists 67 companies currently involved including pubs , cafés , bookshops , a lingerie boutique and an estate agency . You can even get 10 % off funerals .
A share in the club costs £ 30 per season and you ’ re only allowed to buy one . Lifetime ownership costs £ 1000 . All owners have the same rights , including the chance to be elected to the Board .
Dobres claims owners will save much more than their £ 30 membership in a year . With many businesses offering 10- 25 % off every purchase this is probably true , but if your interest goes beyond cheap pints and posh knickers why should a Ryman League virgin see their first game ?
Charlie Dobres , one of the original Rooks 125
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