New Manager

[Shepperton Supporter]

There was a Roy Philpot who was quite successful in the 60’s. But let’s hope the latest Alan can follow the “Alan tradition”!

[EastTerracer]

Yesterday's Non League Paper featured an interview with Alan Julian. No info is offered on Mel's departure other than it paved the way for Julian to go for the job. He says the Beveree faithful will need to be patient as he reshapes the squad and the club goes through a transitional period. Says that it will be a case of doing the best he can with players that come in so they mature over time. Also wants to sprinkle in some experience but admits higher value players are out of his reach now. Even suggests he may have to get back on the gloves to help !!

[Shepperton Supporter]

Let’s wait and see, doesn’t look that hopeful !

[Tony]

Maybe a bit of expectation management here but does seem rather downbeat. Youngsters won’t get much time to mature if they are in a struggling side fighting a relegation battle.

[Josh2002]

Changes in the boardroom https://hamrichfc.com/blogs/news/club-s ... -boardroom

[TW10]

What about the two clown brothers?

[Tony]

Good news that Ben Hudson is stepping up to chairman but the question remains what power does he have to drive his own strategy and carry the board and shareholders with him. Can’t think Ben would take on the role without real autonomy albeit the reality is that Ramayana have total control through their shareholding and could change things at any time.

[Josh2002]

19 minute interview with Ben Hudson now uploaded on the club twitter page.

[Tony]

You’ll be glad to know we are aiming for the play offs again next season. Ben puts a positive spin on things as you would expect but no real comment on player budget or the role of the brothers or investors. Sounds as if Alan Julian has his management team together.

[geedub]

19 minute interview with Ben Hudson now uploaded on the club twitter page.

Pretty good update and somewhat reassuring. No clues as to whether we have major/unexpected funding issues and, of course, nothing about how we ended up parting ways with Mel.
Sounds like we should be getting some player signing announcements imminently.

[EastTerracer]

I was reasonably reassured by the interview with Ben Hudson. He seems to know his football at this level and sounds like he will focus on fiscal discipline. Barely a mention of the brothers, perhaps 'chat less, achieve more' is telling. The ambition is realistic, though of would like to have heard him reference sustainability of the club but perhaps that was implied. Louis asked good questions and the answers were pretty full. Perhaps grown ups are taking back control.

[Tony]

Question 1 should of course have been why did Mel leave? If the aim is to have better communications with supporters, someone is going to ask that question at some point so might as well have the answer ready. I think there were enough hints in Ben’s comments that point to spending too much on players without the expected result, and I would infer that Mel decided he didn’t want to work with a reduced budget having already made plans for next season. That’s something most people can understand. It happens ( rather a lot in non league) a point that Ben made himself. As for the investor issue, I wasn’t expecting that to be discussed. It may be that Ben’s role is to restore some faith with the investors which may help to unlock further support. Or possibly new investors. Time will tell.