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Fans forum - a second opinion!
I have been a Hereford United supporter for over 35 years. The first game I saw at Edgar Street was a 1-1 draw with Cambridge City, with John Charles in the team, but not on the scoresheet. Right, now I've established my credentials as a long time fan, I have to admit that until last night, 12th August, I'd never been to a "Fans Forum", and I have to say I was fairly impressed with what I saw.
Graham Turner was articulate, open and honest. He didn't dodge any questions, and most remarkably, considering the huge dark cloud which must have been hanging over him for the last few years, seemed positive, enthusiastic and forward looking. Maybe being back as a "hands-on" manager, a football man back doing football things, instead of dealing with the VAT man, helps.
He spoke frankly about the squad he's assembling, stressing the youth, potential and enthusiasm of the players. He admitted that we lack a physical presence in midfield, most of our players being "5 feet 8, not six footers", and that there would probably be games where we get muscled out of it in midfield. He firmly believed, however, that we had a squad who could pass the ball well and play football, and that the time was right to take that approach.
A lack of strikers is still a problem. He said how he had brought players in who he thought were committed to a trial period and playing in friendlies, only to find on the day of a game that they were going off to play for someone else. The options up front are limited for the Farnborough game, and certainly aren't going to be solved by one of the more bizarre suggestions from the audience: that of playing Ian Wright up front!
What about the longer term? The CVA is progressing, we have paid our creditors 40p in the pound. Unlike other clubs, e.g. Doncaster, who escaped with a settlement of 10p in the pound we are committed to full payment of our creditors. The remaining 60p in the pound equates to £25,000. GT conceded that our long term future was entirely in the local authority's hands, but felt positive that all would work out OK. This may be misplaced confidence, and he seemed to be saying "well, there's no alternative so we may as well believe it". There is clearly no possibility that HUFC can find the £1.3 million owed to Chelverton. GT also thought that the footballl club could be a hot issue in the 2003 local authority elections.
In some cases it had been necessary to pay players more than the budget really allowed, in order to build a squad capable of mounting a challenge, on the basis that if the club was doing well the gates would increase to cover the salaries. If not, we would find ourselves having to sell mid season to balance the books. GT is still talking to players, both young and experienced, including Andy Sinton, although he wasn't optimistic of signing him.
The final thoughts were all about having a positive attitude, encouraging the young squad, building confidence, and getting a buzz going on the terraces. There's a hard core of 1500 -1600 supporters who'll turn up come what may. A bit of feel good factor will bring back the floating supporter and boost the gates above 2,000. The introduction of the play-offs gives us a realistic target to go for, and shouldn't see the season effectively over by January, as it was last year.
Richard O'Kelly was there last night as well. I had a chat with him outside afterwards, and if enthusiasm and energy count for much, then we're half way there already. Put aside the cynicism and let's get behind the squad and hope we can make it happen on the pitch.