Notes from the Fans Forum in Balderton
By Nathan Jackson
January 21 2008
A Fans Forum took place at Chester's Pub in Balderton on Monday evening and we can now bring you brief notes about what was said at the forum, which was attended by Steff Wright and Peter Jackson. Unfortunately my dictaphone failed to record so my main bullet points made on my phone will be summarised in simple(ish) paragraphs that outline what was said.
WHAT JACKSON SAID
Jackson was the first to speak and answer questions. The first main question he was asked was about the size of the squad and he said that he is looking at getting the squad down to just 18 or so senior players in the squad. He stated that 25/26 senior players for one League 2 side is beyond reasonable. This will be bad news for those players that have contracts expiring in the summer. It means that Shane Clarke, Jack Cotton, Gary Croft, Ayden Duffy, Jamie Forrester, Scott Kerr, Alan Marriott, Adie Moses, Ollie Ryan, Ryan Semple, Mark Stallard and Phil Watt will all have to be on their toes as it is likely only 2 or 3 will be offered new contracts when their current deals expire in the summer.
That is one of his main steps towards aiming for promotion next season. He said he has already started planning for next season and in the summer will be aiming to put together a side capable of not only challenging for promotion, but could actually do it (for once). He also described the current crop as a huge group of under-achievers as he believes the squad is full of talented players.
Amongst those he praised Freck. He stated that at first he wasn't impressed with Frecklington and couldn't see what all the fuss is about. Recent performances had improved his opinions of the midfielder and his injury came as a huge blow and he will almost certainly be out on Saturday. He has an outside chance of being back for the Mansfield game but should return in time for the Shrewsbury game.
On the subject of new players, Jackson said that there were two main reasons footballers choose not to come to Lincoln. The first and more comical reason being that some footballers and stupid and don't know where Lincoln is, the second of which is because we're near the bottom of the League. In terms of transfers he said he hoped to have at least one new player in before the end of January. It was also revealed after the forum finished that the non-league game he attended at the weekend was Harrogate Railway, probably looking at Danny Davidson again after the striker's reserve team appearance a few weeks ago.
The final thing that Jackson had to say was how vital the fans would be in the next few weeks as the club play several fixtures within the next few weeks. He said he loves his relationship with the fans and was genuinely surprised when the fans chanted his name even when losing by quite a large margin.
WHAT STEFF SAID
On the subject of moving ground Steff said that it was one of two options, but the least favourable of the two, with the obvious other option being staying at Sincil Bank. The club are in negotiations to purchase the ambulance bay nearby and should hopefully have that tied up in the next few weeks. If that goes ahead then it would mean the club could create easier access, generating more money and then looking into the possibility of a new stand.
Steff revealed his disappointment about the poor crowds at Sincil Bank this season and said that the current gates were below what was budgeted for.
The training facilities are almost complete and they hope to fold an Open Day so that the fans can look around the facilities. This will help them to appreciate how much money has been spent on this as it is a valuable negotiating tool to bring in players. An astroturf is also in the plans to be installed at the training facilities.
When asked about the managers who applied for the vacant position in October, Steff said that they had a high calibre list of managers who applied but one of them wasn't Jackson. Instead the club contacted Peter Jackson themselves to negotiate bringing him to Sincil Bank. They offered him the job on the Tuesday and he had to wait until Friday to get an answer from Millwall, so he decided to join us.
Thanks again.
There weren't many people there at all. Probably about 20 people overall who didn't work for the club or the trust.
This was done in Newark because they are trying to get a supporter base from Newark. Apparantly the coverage of the club has gotten better in the town recently and they're trying to capitalise on that.
Welton Imp
Telling you to stop slagging his players off...
Firstly thanks for taking the efort to putt he notes on intersting read.
Secondly credit for them making the effort to go to Newark
It wouldn't surprise me if me, Mark and Julian were the only Lincoln based fans there.
one player ??? is that all . i realise the there may be restraints on spending but one player ???
off course like it says some players may not want to come because we are at the bottom . i would have thought one of jacksons jobs would be to seel the club to players and make it sound like a good club to come to
also challenge for promotion ????? from league 2 or the BSP league
time will tell
These meetings are very good for supporters morale and positive mindset for the future. Hopefully try get to the next meeting, as I didn`t know this one was arranged