Management Report
I thought I would update you on events since my Appointment on 10th May. Firstly I appreciate the welcome from all involved at the club. I have been busy meeting the existing playing squad, potential new players, the Board, Club Officials,other key personnel and any supporters who have been at the club. A key area for me is to endeavour to improve communication with all at the club. I believe supporters want to know the players who will be wearing the club colours. I intend to issue regular updates on the website to keep everyone appraised of player movement and generally to comment on the Football playing matters.I will provide a column for Home programmes as well. I will be accessible during pre season,and I do intend to hold one or two sessions at the club which supporters are welcome to observe.
I have stated that there will not be any Pre season Trials,unless I invite someone to train with us. I am working with Jon and the Chairman to build a squad of the existing players,with some additions who have been specifically targeted. I met the players who finished last season,and I have been speaking to them again to ascertain their feelings on the new League,and to invite them back to pre season training. Not all will want to come back,as different players look for different things when they work under a new Manager.I do know some existing players well having come across them over the years,and I sense some of the young players are ready to push on this season,but if I feel I can bring in new players in key areas to make us stronger then I will. I need to make the playing budget fit what I need rather than the other way round. I expect to work with a squad of about 20 players,although in pre season I expect this will be a bigger number as I evaluate what we have. I have met with and agreed terms with some new players,but for obvious reasons I do not want to announce names just yet. Some players we have offered terms to are assessing the impact of playing in the new League.Generally it is the time of year where players keep their options open,and experience has taught me that it is a time to be patient.
In addition to Jon and I ,we hope to have a GK Coach with us,and someone we know whose brief will be to watch opposition, specific players we might target at any level,and possibly to assist with the Reserves. My intention is to bring in a Senior player who will play 1st Team football,but who will also take the Reserves as he wishes to progress his coaching. I have advised Ross Perrett what we are doing,and I gather he now has a 1st Team Manager’s job at SSML Division 2 level. The Reserves will not be used simply to fulfil fixtures.It will be used for 1st team players not getting regular football or in need of fitness,and to progress promising youth team and Academy players.
A full pre season schedule has been prepared and will be issued to players next week. You will be aware of the Pre Season friendlies which are on the website. I have tried to arrange a mix of games to test our fitness and organisation,as well as ensuring we have some attractive teams visiting the Meadow. I hope you will come and see how we are progressing.
Jon and I appreciate the welcome and have been impressed with the professional approach of the willing volunteers at the Club. We are aware of the history of the club and the responsibility we have to improve matters on the park. It will not be easy,but we have to ensure we are prepared for football at this level come August 18th.
Andy Leese (Manager)
