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| Simon Davey And David Keyte |
With the sad news that former Hereford United chairman David Keyte has died, BN looks back to his first fans fourm in 2010.
David Keyte had
taken over from Graham Turner as chairman and Simon Davey had just been
appointed as manager.
Fans Forum Highlights:
Tim Russon chaired the meeting, with David Keyte, Simon Davey, and Andy Fensome present.
Cambridge resident, and veteran fan, Ken Kinnersley offered his thanks to Graham Turner for picking the two best people to take the club forward, a point roundly applauded.
When asked about Stuart Fleetwood, and paying money for the player, David Keyte answered 'Don't believe everything you read in the papers. Hereford United haven't paid a penny so far for any of the players coming in'. Simon Davey added 'he's (Fleetwood) go the attributes to be a top goalscorer in this division'.
On a reserve side, Davey said he will continue with the excercise of playing closed doors matches as and when. No decision has been made on the captain. On Michael Townsend, Davey said he was made an offer by Crewe. Impressed by his League One experience. On Sam Malsom he called him quick, poweful, and unbelivable finishing.
On the youth policy, Davey said there would be no Academy, they're for the biggest clubs. Described the current youth policy as 'practically non-existant'. A Centre of Excellence is planned for 2011. Licence application for CofE to be submitted soon. On Sam Gwynne, Davey said he was impressed with him. Offered him a contract yesterday. Will be pleased if he signs.
On the redevelopment,
Keyte mentioned the 'cloud' of the leases. Said it is top of the list
to find some 'daylight' in the situation. Regarding the Richardsons,
wants to 'move them out of the equation'. Said Council want
club as principal leaseholder again. If Richardsons depart, club can
build bigger stand at Blackfriars End if it wished.
One questioner, asking Andy Fensome,
noted that Ryan Green had told him it was the hardest pre-season he
ever had. Fensome said he needed to work them hard to get them fit.
Wanted the multiball system to work, and need to be fit for that to
happen. When asked who was good cop and bad cop, Davey said he was both!
Asked specifically about Toumani Diagouraga and other targets, Davey said he has offered a contract to another player but didn't say who. Said he was chasing wide players, missed one 'season long loan'
from Scotland today, but passed the Dave question to Keyte who said he
wasn't coming here as he didn't want to drop into League Two - but it
wasn't for the finances of the deal.
On the coaching side,
Davey said Jamie Pitman has another physio to work alongside him. A
sports scientist has been employed to cover match analysis, and a
goalkeeping coach will be appointed soon. Keyte added that the off-field
side will also be expanded. Had said the playing budget was going to be
based on 2,200 but was now being more ambitious given the 'vibes'.
On Mathieu Manset
(who likes to be called Manny) and the much fitter version we saw in
the friendlies, Fensome said he is working hard in training. Davey said
Swansea were the best footballing side in the Championship, and he
thinks we matched them on Tuesday. Picked out the midfield trio of
Thompson, McQuilkin, and Lunt as 'footballers'.
On the training facilities
Davey said they moved from Belmont as it was impossible to do the
double training sessions there. Moved now to the City Sports site as the
necessary facilities were there. On undisclosed fees,
Davey said Charlton asked for the fee to be 'undisclosed' as it would
placate their supporters about a player they paid a significant sum for.
When asked about Darlington, Davey said, after a bit of umming and aahing, 'I've come to a better club'. On Policing, Keyte said they hadn't gone into the ongoing vicinity charges issues from the last couple of seasons.
On tribunals
for Gavin McCallum and Marc Pugh, Keyte said no dates are set.
Bournemouth offered £15,000 for Pugh initially, and £35,000 last. Keyte
expects £100,000. On McCallum he said he'd be surprised if we got £5,000
for a player that was 'just making his way'.
On injuries both McQuilkin and Lunt have problems and may not feature against Swindon. More trialists are due in next week.
On Season Tickets, Keyte said figure was 800 last season and over 300 have already been sold - 100 up on this time last season. The club shop is one thing still to be assessed, but a city centre shop, Fit, is going to open a 'HUFC franchise'. New T-shirts are coming soon.
On ambitions
Davey wants to be in League One by the end of his two year contract.
Doesn't see why we can't challenge this season. Wants to take the club
as far as he can. On the club office, Keyte would like to move it. It is being worked on. On moving to Hereford,
Davey said he had already moved but his family were still in Preston
currently. Most of the players are moving to the area if they haven't
already or in reasonable distance.
On the old social club, Keyte says it should be the front door of the club with the bar upstairs - but the Richardsons need to be shifted first. On Gavin Williams returning, Davey said there was no truth and they had not enquired. Programme subscriptions will be restarted. On overnight stays, Davey said they will use them when needed for the longer trips - probably only two or three.
Keyte says they cut player sponsorship prices by £50 to get more sponsorships. Press will be given plenty of access. Hereford Times will be interviewing supporters around the ground tomorrow night. Open Day will have new kit launch and barbecue.
The forum ended after 1h 40m to healthy applause.