Belper Updates

[RobYeltz]

The fact is Belper did play with freedom Ken. They knocked the ball around well at times and certainly wanted it more than us. When things clearly wasn't going well John had nothing really to change it with on the bench. if Downes has left as Guesty is suggesting then that really is abysmal. He came on in one game, didn't play the next and left? What kind of attitude is that?
As I commented a few games ago, John is probably learning more about his players now than he ever has done before. At this level we can't just have a team of grafters with bg hearts, we need a little more guile and craft, but I'm sure John knows that more than us. I guess the real question is, as HH hinted at, the budget made available to John. Is the aim to settle for mid table next season or is it the aim to get in the play offs? It's also quite difficult I would imagine planning if we don't know whether we're going to be north or south next season.
We have made great progress in the last two years, and yes the form at the moment isn't good enough, maybe whilst our strength has always been the relatively low turn over of players (compared to them down the road) it may well be working against us in our (the fans aims) to move forwards.

[lutleyyeltz]

Just a few personal thoughts regarding the current poor results sequence.
The players have come through a very hard season in both the physical and mental sense – primarily the former.
To carry on the normal life requirements of work, family etc. and then to train and play hard requires a commitment that not everyone can attain. I know that this scenario applies to all players, from all teams at this level and, in no way, do I wish to imply that HTFC players should be regarded differently.
However, in my much younger days as a racing cyclist at a reasonably high level, I know that the build up of tiredness leads to a drop in performance.
The only way to get that level back was to ease of on the training and miss a few races. Unfortunately, in football that isn’t possible with most teams having to play two games each week.
The tiredness builds up and the performance level just gets worse and worse.
The squad system in the top echelon of football is the tried and trusted way of counteracting this.
At our level it just isn’t possible to use that method and so the players have to soldier on and try to get through the bad periods.
I have a great deal of respect for the way that our team is battling for the turning point in this bad run and we as supporters should realise that these lads aren’t machines.
HTFC have had a very respectable season after the euphoria of promotion and I’m sure that Belper, despite ending an awful run by beating us, would dearly love to be in our position right now.

[JohnC]

Positives:-

I was there.

The George and Dragon is still in business - and they commented about our visit last year and their
memories of us being a cheerful, problem less large group of fans.

There was a large Halesowen following in the 163 who turned out. Despite recent results had travelled to watch and support their team.

Hail sowen was the new song last night - yes during the hail.

Meese - looked a good player and addition to the squad.

The players that were chosen to play and the subs who had turned up tried there best in really gusty winds and hail and heavy rain at times.


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Yes we have not won for a while.
We are however, losing by small margins one goal and not being hammered.
We are 11th out of 24 teams despite two diffcult runs in a tough league.
We are above Stourbr*dge.

Collectively we have the third best defensive record in this league, I include the midfield and forwards (Ben in particualr) who chase lost balls etc.

My personal aim for the club was stay up.
Additional personal like was to finish above Stourbr*dge.

All in the garden is not rosey. Is it ever in any garden?

John and Trevor and the financial management of the club I am sure will sit down in a few weeks time and discuss targets and budgets for next season.

I hope expect to see during the close season work on the pitch and a couple of new faces next season.

The team needs tweeking, we can't this season now as season transfers closed. During the summer I would expect more players to be available, some may be at clubs having a good season and would rather stay there for now.
We do not need a mass number of changes.

A midfielder with youth and passing ability and a striker in my opinion are what we need.
No disrespect to Christie he has served us well but his legs have gone and at this higher level the defenders are sharper.

John and Trevor have nothing to prove in my opinion thay have done it over the last 2 half seasons.
The current squad have my support and I hope to see the majority stay next season.

Will i be at Blythe? You bet i will.

[wednesburystokie]

well, that was cack

[lutleyyeltz]

Alluding to.....?

[wednesburystokie]

if that was in question to my post then i was referring to last nights performance

[HalesowenHarry]

if that was in question to my post then i was referring to last nights performance

I'm most disappointed you didn't write "War and Peace" like the rest of us

But simply put is sometimes the best, and cack is definitely a great summary of the second half!

[lutleyyeltz]

if that was in question to my post then i was referring to last nights performance

That's cleared that up.

[RaidenYeltz]

if that was in question to my post then i was referring to last nights performance

That's cleared that up.

It was clearly a concise and accurate response to John C's post.

[Magnus]

Re: 'Christie's legs have gone' comment. While acknowledging he has done well in the past I feel that for the last few weeks/months that when the ball is coming to him he is looking to get a foul rather than play it off/ do something else. Not just related to last night.