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« on: April 29, 2007, 02:10:30 PM »
Well, after all is said and done we are down and I don't think that the AGM will save us this year.
I think going into the last few matches without Chris Senior and Joe O'Neill didn't help matters but overall after 46 games we weren't good enough. Not winning an away league game until March didn't help and after that great run in March, our end to the season, much like last year was very poor.
As for the players, I realistically think most of them will still be here next season. Thornley, Coburn, Scott, Little, Band, Peyton etc have all played for us for a while now and other than Chalmers we haven't got in our regular starting XI what you might call any promising youngsters that other clubs would want to snap up. It should be easier to bring on people from the reserves now as well without the constant pressure of Conference National so maybe some of our own youngsters coming through. Don't know if Talbs, Bushell and Owen will stay on, I don't think Bushell would be the right type of player for Conference North certainly, though Val's experience could prove invauluable. As for Management, GH and DS have swum against the tide for 2 years but they know better than anyone what is required in Conference North and I don't think there is any question that they will be in charge for the 2007-08 season. I think Joe O'Neill may get a few more next season but another striker and a creative midfielder would be nice, as would a left back, even though Peyton has been superb all year out of position.
I'd hope our crowds are a bit above the traditional Conference North/Unibond level of 650 as we've definitely gained a few hundred new supporters over the last 2 years, whether they are floaters or hardcore remains to be seen. I'd hope we could aim for 800 average at least (the new community links should help with this) The 2000 yesterday and the 300 who went to Tamworth last Saturday shows that the support is there in the town.
A bit of a bugger for us Southern exiles but actually seeing us win the odd game comfortably without nerves shredded to pieces for 90 minutes will be good. A few new grounds to visit too. It will be tough with Tamworth and Southport also looking to bounce back but on and off the pitch (great news about Geoff deciding to stay on) I'd say we will be in good shape to challenge come August.