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Next Game: Marine At Edgar Street On Saturday 9th November At 3.00pm

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Supporters Speculate over Turner's Intentions

The last sentence in Graham Turner's post match interview yesterday at Tranmere has left supporters wondering exactly what he meant.

"We'll look and think about what is going to happen and then start putting out publically towards the end of next week or maybe the following week," said the Hereford United manager.

As it will not be the end of the season before Turner says he will make a statement, it's unlikely to be about all the players contracts as there will still be a couple of games to play.

It's also unlikely to be about the ground as Turner has already said there will be no improvements next season. Speculation that the Richardsons may be offered their loan money seems wide of the mark as the leases would still belong to them even if the loan was paid off. In any case Turner has suggested that when development of the ground does eventually take place the loan will be taken care of.

So it looks as though Turner was talking about his intentions for his future. What that might entail remains to be seen.

Most supporters realise that it has been a very difficult season for Turner and will probably have some sympathy with him, particularily over the number of players that have missed long spells through injury. Whilst they will be disappointed that the club will have only managed one season in League One, they will not forget the two recent promotions which got them there.

They will also be thankful that Turner has steered the club to a financial position that many couldn't have dreamed about five or six seasons ago.

However one thing is certain, there is a gulf between at least part of the fanbase and Turner. The fact that there are no fans forums, no open days means that there are no opportunities for supporters to put their points of view to Turner.

Shareholders who went to the recent AGM were not allowed to question Turner about any subject that was not pertinent to the annual report.

Two other sentences in his interview are worth repeating.

"We will think about what needs to be said, what needs to be done. I've never acted too much in haste but certainly we've got to get a clear picture of what we've got to do now next season."

From that it looks as though Turner will still be in overall charge next season but perhaps with some subtle changes.

One thing is certain, he needs to bridge the gap between himself and some sections of the fanbase.

And, maybe, it's time to bring some new faces into the club. A fresh approach perhaps.