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« on: July 06, 2008, 12:24:54 AM »
Hi everybody, hope you are having a good close season. Thought I would start off a new thread by an overview of Graham's signings, to also ask for everyone's opinion of what we may be able to hope for this season. I refuse to take on a negative attitude about 08/09 and will totally ignore the Blue Square opinion that we are auto-relegation candidates.
In fact I have a sneaky suspicion that we may be a surprise package for mid-table. Perhaps I am being optimistic but hey-ho there is nothing wrong with that is there? We have kept the nucleas of our best players from last season and I am glad Colin has committed himself to the club once again - my near neighbour, just a few roads down from me; and if you are from our area youre ok!! I am pleased that our goalie is staying as he still has much to offer the club, as has Robbie Lawton. The others have shown commitment to the cause, but I do not want our club to keep players who do not wish to stay. So what of the new signings.
I am very excited about the signing of Chris Denham for one, and also Kevin Street and Matt Doughty. But with all good teams you need to have a mix of experienced players and also lower league players who need the fresh challenge of playing in a higher league, hence the signing of Dale Johnson and Anthony Danylyck. Anthony's reputation from Leek goes before him. He was a highly valued player and captain but has committed himself to Alty and he has my fullest support. I wish him well and I see him as the surprise package for next season. I hope so, and I feel this is what Graham may have seen in him. The same applies to Dale, you have nothing to lose go for it. Alex Meechan we all know from games V Forest Green et al, and I read with interest what the Forest fans are saying on our web. There is a lot of respect there and that does not come easily in non-league!! Grahams signing are clever in the fact that he has captured best players from other relegated teams plus the mix of lower leagers making the higher grade and some established players already conference and league experienced. I am also scanning the Alty website for the name of the new central defender we are looking at. I hope it is who I think it may be, fingers crossed, but it may be a pipe dream. We shall see.
NO DISRESPECT TO OTHER TEAMS but they thought we would be a walkover, well not as far as I and Alty are concerned. I hope the new lads and established team players read this and start believing in themselves, because I am taking a lot of positives for next season. I am stewarding during 08/09 once again, as I miss the bonding with other stewards, and having my ear much closer to the club and to feel more a part of it. This will be my 34th season. I remember the heady days of Gerry Casey, Peter Eales and John Hughes from my first season, not to mention OUR GRAHAM.
I am really looking forward to seeing the new players in action and know they will all battle to prove themselves. I am also looking forward to hearing the banter with the away fans once again, always top at Alty!!
Forget the doom mongers who predict relegation. Here's to a 12-16th place for next season, my prediction.
To the established players, thanks for staying with my team and best of luck for next season. To the new players, here us shouting for you on the terraces as you go out to prove yourselves; we are right behind you. But more than anything else, enjoy yourselves and go for the challenge. I have every confidence in you.
I am REALLY REALLY looking forward to this season.
Best regards to all management, team players old and new, fans, and in particular my fellow stewards.
Steve from Sale
