Open Forum - Feedback Part 1

[RobYeltz]

As mentioned in the other thread I mentioned I would try and do an audio recording of the forum this evening, having had a quick listen back to it the quality seems quite good where the microphone was used.

I'm not sure all of the issues discussed were for general consumption so I'll summarise the questions asked to the best of my ability. Please note that I'm not going to try and quote people, if I do, this post will be the longest post ever.

Answering questions from the table where Joe Hull, Neil Mackenzie, Brendan Kelly, Colin Brookes, John Hill, Trevor and Ben Haseley.

Question 1 -

Many fans commented about the discipline of our players on Saturday, and how they feel it won us the game. Is this something that the management instil into the players or is it something they have in them as a result of being wise above their years?
JH: Both, I'm big on discipline, it's something that we do talk about during every team talk. Credit to the lads though for them to keep the discipline on Saturday was exceptional. As well as being team mates some of the lads go back a long way together (Tonks,Curtis,Kristian) and for them to not get booked after the incident on Saturday spoke volumes of them. I did like the fact they stuck together and looked after each other though. Long may it continue, it's hard enough to win games with eleven never mind ten.

Question 2

What is the situation with the injured players?
Trevor: Kyle Brady out for the season, Penney has a slight hamstring, surfaces like at Sutton would do him no justice at all. One eyed Ben is still out, but his overall health is more important. Laity, we're waiting to see how he reacts from his surgery. His type of injury is usually between 4-8 weeks (Hernia op)

Question 3
Floodlights, there are a few out, and you can see shadows. When will the be replaced?
John: Thanks to the fundraising of Chas and others (including the YeltzTrust) the lights are due to be replaced in January and will be some of the best in non league football. At a cost of £x

Question 4
Joe and Curtis are great playing together at CB but often appear to be playing the 'wrong way round', what is the thinking behind this?
JH: mentioned how simply it's because Joe is right footed and Curtis left.
CB: Also felt the need to mention Brendan Kelly and the part he has to play.
JH: and the players enjoy playing with Brendan due to his experience and ability to talk and both Joe and Curtis are learning from him.
CB: Credited JH for putting players on contract, and the board for financing those players. (Names not mentioned on here) Within a fortnight of these players being put on contract 7/8 clubs had enquired about their services.

Question 5

When we needed a striker after suffering injuries in came Isedyn Christie who has been fantastic for us leading the line, and helping to create chances. Where do you find these players from?
JH gives the microphone to NM who explains that he was a former teammate at Mansfield and he knew he was out of the game at the time. JH asked him if he knew anyone and Isedyn came to mind. He's been a revaluation since coming here and has taken on the mantle well particularly since Ben's injury.
JH mentioned how Isedyn travels from Coventry to play for us, he trains once a week and has been a great help to young Penney and reiterated the point how he's really stood up to the task since Ben's injury. We had our own list of targets but NM has a great non league career and professional career so we should ask these type of people too.

Question 6

THE KEEPER QUESTION

Where does Paul Evans stand in the scheme of things now, he's been a loyal servant of the club and a good keeper?
JH: Agreed Paul is a good keeper and his loyalty to the club is unquestionable. Football is about opinions, but JH thought it was time for a change. JH was misquoted about the 'running with three keepers' line. When JH first came to HTFC he approached Matt Sargeant (who was his keeper at Tipton) but he was unavailable. He was on a contract at Worcester and it got renewed. When Matt became available he approached JH, JH was NOT looking for a keeper.
One of the keepers then has to stand aside, looking at the future of Halesowen Town JH felt Sam was the better long term option. However, JH felt that he owed it to Evo to give him the opportunity to continue training with the club and would not stand in his way should the opportunity arise for him to move.
JH mentioned how he feels none of the keepers have 'nailed the shirt' and they all have pluses to their game. JH then quoted the stats for each keeper saying they all have good stats. The obvious choice to progress with the club however is Sam. However it was felt he's not ready YET to be the No 1 keeper. In a couple of years time he will be a cracking keeper. He is the future of Halesowen, but not right now. Sargeant hasn't set the world alight but he knows he's better than what he's showing. It's been a tough decision as they're all good keepers. No decision made is personal.
Trevor: Emotions as a fan are different to that as a manager, JH is doing what he thinks is right for the club. If all the talk is about who is the keeper' and it transpires negatively to the keeper and he doesn't feel part of what is being done there is a problem. We all need to stick together, we can only be as strong as our weakest link.
BK spoke of how the only person really who isn't a squad player is Ben, but the rest of the players understand they are ALL squad players. He felt he played well against Romulus but understood and accepted the managers decision why he didn't play on Saturday. The squad is that good that whoever plays will do a good job and show we are hard to beat. Don't read too much into changes to the team.


Part two to follow tomorrow folks...

[RaidenYeltz]

Very good write up!

Genuinely enjoyed last night, interesting to hear players and coaches thoughts.

[lutleyyeltz]

Thank you, AVFC, for a very readable account of last night's proceedings for those engaged in Santa et al activities and were unable to attend.
We await Part 2.